Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Amina Abubakar, wife of late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, after a fierce gun battle with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources told The Whistler that the rescue mission was launched under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III following intelligence reports after the abduction of the late senior officer and members of his family.
According to the sources, troops tracked the armed gang to Tunga village during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation and engaged the criminals in a heavy exchange of gunfire, forcing them to flee.
During the encounter, the bandits reportedly shot Amina Abubakar before escaping under intense military pressure.
Despite the attack, troops successfully rescued her, administered first aid at the scene and rushed her to a medical facility for urgent treatment.
Military sources disclosed that she was stabilised before being moved for further medical attention.
The military has since intensified follow-up operations, with troops currently pursuing the fleeing bandits and suspected kingpins linked to the abduction and attack.
Security authorities also vowed that the ongoing Operation CLEAN SWEEP III would continue until all criminal hideouts in the area are destroyed and those responsible brought to justice.
