By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, have successfully rescued Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, from the custody of bandits weeks after she was abducted alongside her husband.
The rescue was announced in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, who disclosed that the operation was carried out by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA following sustained search-and-rescue efforts and intensified military pressure on criminal elements operating in the affected areas.
According to the statement, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village during ongoing offensive operations, leading to the successful recovery of Amina .
However, the military revealed that the bandits shot Amina during the encounter before abandoning her and fleeing as troops advanced on their position.
She was immediately evacuated from the scene and taken to a military hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. The Defence Headquarters stated that she is responding positively to medical care.
“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 said.
The military also reiterated its determination to bring those responsible for the abduction to justice, noting that troops have continued operations to track down and neutralise the perpetrators.
The Armed Forces further assured Nigerians that ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations would be intensified to rid affected communities of criminal elements, not only in Katsina State but across the country.
The rescue comes amid renewed efforts by security forces to combat banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in the North-West and other parts of the country, where criminal groups have continued to target communities and travellers.
Amina's rescue follows the tragic death of her husband, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), who reportedly lost his life while in captivity after being abducted by bandits.
