Troops of the Nigerian Army Operation FANSAN YANMA on Monday, June 15, 2026, rescued Mrs. Abubakar Rabe, wife of late Major General Abubakar Rabe.
The rescue followed a deadly encounter with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State by troops.
Military sources told Zagazola that the operation, conducted under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, followed intelligence-led offensives launched in Matazu and adjoining communities after the abduction incident involving the retired senior officer and his family.
The source further said that troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga village during a search-and-rescue operation, thereby forced the armed group to flee after coming under heavy military pressure.
A military source said that the bandits shot Mrs Rabe and fled when troops made contact at Tunga village, but were able to rescue her.
โShe is bleeding, we have given her first aid and are moving her for urgent medical attention,โ the military source said.
The source also confirmed that the rescued victim was immediately stabilised by troops on the ground before being evacuated to a medical facility for further treatment.
Military authorities said follow-up operations have been intensified in the area, with troops sustaining a coordinated pursuit of fleeing bandits and suspected kingpins believed to be responsible for the attack and earlier abduction.
They added that the ongoing clearance operation under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III will continue until all criminal hideouts are dismantled.
Security sources assured that the military remains committed to tracking down those responsible and ensuring they are brought to justice.
