Nigerian Army troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Mrs. Abubakar, the wife of late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, following a deadly encounter with armed bandits in Katsina State.
The development comes just days after reports confirmed the death of the former Director of Defence Information while in the custody of his abductors.
Popular security analyst, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the rescue operation in an exclusive report shared on his official X account on Monday night.
According to the report, the successful operation was carried out under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, an intelligence-driven offensive launched across Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities following the abduction of the retired general’s wife.
Quoting military sources, Makama revealed that troops engaged the bandits during a search-and-rescue mission around Tunga village, forcing the criminals to flee under intense 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 reportedly said.
Mrs. Abubakar was abducted alongside her husband on May 30, 2026, when armed men attacked them while they were travelling through the Matazu axis of Katsina State.
The kidnapping sparked nationwide concern, particularly because of Major General Rabe’s distinguished military career and his previous role as Director of Defence Information.
Tragically, reports later emerged that the retired army officer had died while being held captive by the bandits, although conflicting accounts have since surfaced regarding the exact circumstances surrounding his death.
His son, Isyaka Rabe, had earlier dismissed claims that his father died from diabetes, insisting that the family believed the late general may have suffered a heart attack while in captivity.
Until now, Mrs. Abubakar’s whereabouts had remained unknown, with the family repeatedly denying reports that she had regained her freedom.
Her rescue is expected to bring some relief to the grieving family following the devastating loss of the retired military officer.
As of the time of filing this report, Mrs. Abubakar was receiving urgent medical attention after sustaining gunshot injuries during the confrontation between troops and the fleeing bandits.
Security operatives have continued to pursue the attackers, with efforts underway to track down and apprehend the remaining members of the criminal gang.
The latest operation highlights the ongoing efforts by security forces to intensify offensives against bandit groups operating across parts of northern Nigeria, even as concerns persist over the country’s worsening security challenges.
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