Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in commencement of Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, rescued Mrs. Abubakar, wife of the murdered retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, from the captivity of bandits. The troops confronted the bandits a gun battle in Matazu Local Government Area, Katsina State.

The military revealed that Operation CLEAN SWEEP III commenced after the kidnap of the retired Army General and his wife, with intelligence offensives launched across Matazu and nearby communities.

During a search-and-rescue mission at Tunga village, troops encountered the bandits in heavy military bombardment, forcing the bandits to flee the area.

In the exchange of fireworks, the bandits shot Mrs. Abubakar before escaping. A military source said troops moved in immediately after the bandits fled.

She was found bleeding, and soldiers on the ground administered first aid right there. The source confirmed she was stabilized before evacuation.

Mrs. Abubakar was then moved urgently to a medical facility for further treatment. Her condition after evacuation wasn’t detailed, but troops acted fast to get her healthcare.

Military authorities said follow-up operations are now intensified. Troops are in coordinated pursuit of fleeing bandits and suspected kingpins behind the attack and abduction. The military maintained that Operation CLEAN SWEEP III will continue until all criminal hideouts are dismantled and those responsible are brought to justice.

Credit: Zagazola