TDThe Nigerian military has announced the successful rescue of Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, following weeks of captivity in the hands of bandits.
Mrs. Abubakar was abducted alongside her husband during an attack by armed criminals a few weeks ago. Major General Abubakar reportedly died while in captivity, sparking widespread concern and condemnation across the country.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed that troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA, working in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, carried out the rescue operation after sustained search-and-rescue efforts and intensified pressure on the criminal group responsible for the abduction.
Army Confirms Rescue of Mrs. Abubakar
According to the military, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village during ongoing offensive operations aimed at tracking down the kidnappers and dismantling their network.
“The rescue operation followed intensified search-and-rescue efforts conducted by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA.
“During sustained offensive operations and pressure mounted on the criminal elements, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village, leading to the successful recovery of Mrs. Abubakar,” the statement said.
The military revealed that the bandits shot Mrs. Abubakar during the encounter before abandoning her and fleeing as troops advanced on their position.
Despite sustaining gunshot wounds, she was successfully recovered and immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment.
“In the course of the encounter, the bandits shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops.
“Mrs. Abubakar was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital, where she is responding to treatment,” the statement added.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria assured the public that all necessary medical care and support are being provided to ensure Mrs. Abubakar’s full recovery.
The military leadership also expressed its commitment to supporting her family during the difficult period following the loss of her husband.
Military Moves Against Terrorists, Bandits and Other Criminal Groups
The rescue comes amid ongoing military operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups operating in parts of northern Nigeria.
Security forces have intensified air and ground offensives in recent months as part of broader efforts to restore peace and security in affected communities.
Major General Uba stated that troops would continue pursuing the perpetrators responsible for the abduction and other acts of violence.
He emphasized that efforts to eliminate terrorist and bandit networks would not be limited to Katsina State but extended across the country.
“Troops will continue ongoing operations to track down and neutralise the perpetrators, while intensifying efforts to rid affected communities of terrorists not just in Katsina but in the entire nation,” he said.
The successful rescue of Mrs. Abubakar has been welcomed as a significant breakthrough in the military’s ongoing campaign against banditry and kidnapping.
Meanwhile, renewed calls have emerged for intensified efforts to secure the release of other victims still being held by criminal groups across the country.
