By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued Mrs Abubakar, wife of the late retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, following a gun battle with bandits in Katsina State.

A credible military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the rescue was carried out by troops of the 17 Brigade during an ongoing search-and-rescue mission for the retired general’s family.

According to the source, the troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga village, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

“The bandits reportedly shot Mrs Abubakar before fleeing under pressure from the advancing troops,” the source disclosed.

The source said the troops rescued her, administered first aid, and immediately began evacuating her to a medical facility in Dutsin-Ma for treatment.

“Troops of 17 Brigade rescued Mrs Abubakar after making contact with the bandits at Tunga village.

“The bandits shot her and fled. She was bleeding, but troops administered first aid and are moving her to Dutsin-Ma for medical attention,” a military source said.

The rescue comes two days after the Defence Headquarters confirmed the death of Maj.-Gen. Abubakar (rtd.), who was abducted alongside his wife by bandits.

Military authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident. (NAN, but headline reworked)