SAA event in Nigeria on Mon 15th June 2026

Exclusive: Troops Rescue Wife of Retired General Rabe Abubakar in Katsina, Intensify Offensive Against Bandits 

By: Zagazola Makama 

Nigerian Army troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Mrs. Abubakar, wife of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, following a deadly encounter with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Military sources exclusively 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.

According to the sources, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga village during a search-and-rescue operation, forcing the armed group to flee after coming under heavy military pressure.

“The bandits shot her and fled when we made contact at Tunga village. We have rescued Mrs. Abubakar. She is bleeding, we have given her first aid and are moving her for urgent medical attention,” a military source said.

The source 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.