Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Nigerian Army troops have rescued Amina Abubakar, wife of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, following a violent confrontation with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State during ongoing counter-kidnapping operations.
Military sources said the rescue followed an intelligence-led search-and-rescue mission launched under Operation FANSAN YANMA and Operation CLEAN SWEEP III after the abduction involving the retired senior officer and members of his family.
Troops reportedly tracked the suspects to Tunga village, where they made contact with the armed group and engaged them in a firefight that forced the bandits to flee.
During the exchange, the attackers shot the victim before escaping into surrounding forest areas.
Following the confrontation, soldiers recovered Amina Abubakar and immediately provided first aid at the scene to stabilise her condition.
She was subsequently evacuated to a medical facility for urgent treatment, according to security sources familiar with the operation.
Military authorities confirmed that the rescued victim is receiving care, while her condition was initially stabilised by troops on ground before evacuation.
Security forces have since intensified follow-up operations in the area, with coordinated patrols and pursuit missions targeting fleeing suspects and alleged gang leaders linked to the attack.
Officials said the clearance operation under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III will continue until criminal hideouts in the region are dismantled and those responsible are apprehended.
The Army reiterated its commitment to sustained offensive operations against bandit groups and assured that efforts are ongoing to bring perpetrators to justice.
