Late Retired Major-Gen. Rabe’s Wife Shot By Bandits During Rescue Mission By Nigerian Army
According to the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a Facebook post on June 15, 2026, the Nigerian Army has rescued the wife of late retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar following an encounter with bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Onanuga, while sharing details of the military operation, explained that the rescue followed a gun battle between troops and the bandits. He added that the operation formed part of a broader intelligence-led mission known as Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, launched in Matazu and neighbouring communities.
The operation was initiated in response to the abduction and subsequent death of the retired military officer, highlighting the military’s intensified efforts to tackle banditry and restore security in the region.
According to him, troops tracked the bandits to Tunga village, where they conducted a search-and-rescue operation. During the encounter, the bandits shot Mrs. Abubakar before fleeing the scene under intense military pressure. The troops administered first aid to her at the location before evacuating her for urgent medical treatment.
Onanuga further disclosed that follow-up operations have been reinforced, with security forces pursuing the fleeing bandits and suspected kingpins believed to be responsible for the attack and abduction.
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The ongoing military operations are aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts, apprehending those behind the crime, and ensuring they face justice.
