The Nigerian military has successfully rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar, following weeks in the custody of armed bandits who abducted the couple in Katsina State.
The Defence Headquarters announced the development on Monday, revealing that the rescue was achieved through sustained military operations conducted by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA with support from the Nigerian Air Force.
According to military authorities, the breakthrough came after intensified offensive operations targeted at criminal groups operating within the area. Troops eventually tracked the kidnappers to Tunga Village, where contact was established during ongoing search-and-rescue missions.
Providing details of the operation, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, explained that the pressure mounted on the criminals forced them into retreat, leading to Mrs. Abubakar’s recovery.
“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.
“In the course of the encounter, the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops,” the statement partly said.
Military authorities disclosed that after being rescued, Mrs. Abubakar was immediately transported to a military medical facility where doctors commenced treatment.
“Mrs Abubakar was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital, where she is responding to treatment,” Uba stated.
The Armed Forces assured Nigerians that every necessary measure was being taken to support her recovery and provide assistance to her family following the traumatic experience.
“The leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to ensuring her full recovery and is providing all necessary support to her family during this difficult period,” the statement added.
The military further reaffirmed its determination to hunt down those responsible for the abduction and intensify operations against criminal networks terrorising communities 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,” Uba said.
Major General Rabe Abubakar, who previously served as Director of Defence Information, died while being held captive after he and his wife were kidnapped by bandits in Katsina State. His death drew widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about the growing threat posed by armed criminal groups operating across parts of northern Nigeria.
The successful rescue of Mrs. Abubakar is being seen as a significant breakthrough in ongoing military efforts to dismantle bandit networks and secure the release of victims still being held in captivity across the country.
(Ripples)
