Troops Rescue Wife of Retired General Rabe Abubakar After Gun Battle with Bandits in Katsina

Katsina, Nigeria 🇳🇬 June 14, 2026

The Nigerian military has rescued the wife of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar following a fierce gun battle with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The rescue operation was carried out by troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA under the ongoing Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, which was launched following the abduction of the retired senior military officer and members of his family.

According to military sources, troops acting on intelligence tracked the bandits to Tunga village, where they engaged the criminals in a shootout during a search-and-rescue mission.

The sources disclosed that the bandits fled the area after coming under intense military pressure, leaving behind Mrs. Abubakar, who had sustained gunshot injuries.

“The bandits shot her and fled when troops made contact with them at Tunga village. She was immediately rescued, given first aid and evacuated for urgent medical treatment,” a military source said.

The rescued victim was reportedly stabilized by soldiers at the scene before being moved to a medical facility for further care.

Military authorities said troops have intensified follow-up operations across Matazu and surrounding communities to track down the fleeing bandits and other suspected criminal elements linked to the abduction.

The military added that the ongoing clearance operations under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III would continue until bandit hideouts in the area are dismantled and those responsible for the attack are apprehended.

Security sources reaffirmed the commitment of the armed forces to restoring peace in the region and ensuring that those behind the kidnapping and related criminal activities are brought to justice.

Source: Zagazola Makama.