Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), who was abducted alongside her husband by suspected bandits in Katsina State.
The rescue operation, carried out on Monday by troops of the 17 Brigade, followed an intelligence-driven offensive targeting the hideout of the abductors in Tunga village, Matazu Local Government Area.
The operation came days after the former Defence Headquarters spokesman died while in captivity.
According to military authorities, troops engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing the criminals to flee their camp under heavy military pressure. During the encounter, the abductors reportedly shot Mrs. Abubakar before escaping.
The soldiers subsequently secured the area, rescued the victim, administered emergency first aid, and evacuated her to a medical facility for treatment. She was said to have sustained gunshot injuries and was bleeding at the time of her rescue.
The operation, conducted under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, was launched following intensified search-and-rescue efforts in Matazu and neighbouring communities after the abduction of the retired senior military officer and his family.
Security sources said troops traced the bandits to their hideout and successfully disrupted their activities, although the suspects managed to evade arrest.
The military disclosed that follow-up operations have been intensified to track down the fleeing bandits and suspected kingpins linked to the abduction and attack.
Authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the ongoing clearance operations until all criminal hideouts in the area are dismantled and those responsible are brought to justice.