‘Bandits Shot Her And Fled’ – Source Reveals How Gen Rabe’s Wife Was Rescued

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Amina Abubakar, wife of the late retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, who was abducted alongside her husband by bandits in Katsina State.

Naija News reports that the rescue followed an encounter between troops and armed bandits during a search-and-rescue operation in Matazu Local Government Area of the state.

Military sources who spoke with Zagazola Makama said the operation was carried out under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, a sustained offensive launched after the abduction of the retired senior officer and members of his family.

According to the sources, troops acting on credible intelligence conducted coordinated operations across Matazu and adjoining communities.

The operation targeted known bandit enclaves and escape routes in the area.

The breakthrough came when soldiers made contact with the kidnappers at Tunga village, forcing the bandits to abandon their captive and flee.

A military source said the bandits injured Mrs Abubakar before fleeing the scene.

“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,” the source disclosed.

The source added that the victim was immediately stabilised by troops at the scene before being evacuated to a medical facility for further treatment.

The development comes days after retired Major General Abubakar Rabe reportedly died while in captivity, sparking outrage and renewed calls for stronger military action against bandit groups operating in the North-West.

Military authorities said follow-up operations had been intensified, with troops maintaining pressure on fleeing bandits and suspected kingpins believed to be responsible for the abduction and death of the retired general.

Security sources added that Operation CLEAN SWEEP III would continue until all identified criminal hideouts in the area are dismantled.

They reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to tracking down those responsible for the attack and ensuring they face justice.