Troops Rescue Late Gen. Abubakar’s Wife After Fierce Battle With Bandits

By Emmanuel Kwada

Troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, have successfully rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, following a sustained search-and-rescue operation against bandits in Katsina State.

Mrs. Abubakar was abducted alongside her husband, a former Director of Defence Information, several weeks ago. Major General Abubakar was later reportedly killed while in captivity, sparking widespread outrage and renewed calls for intensified military action against criminal groups operating in the North-West.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the rescue was achieved through coordinated operations by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA, who intensified pressure on the kidnappers through a series of offensive missions.

The military disclosed that troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village during one of the operations, leading to the successful recovery of Mrs. Abubakar.

However, during the encounter, the abductors reportedly shot her before abandoning her and fleeing under intense military pressure.

“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 authorities confirmed that the rescued victim was immediately evacuated for medical treatment and is currently receiving care at a military hospital.

“Mrs. Abubakar is responding to treatment, and the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to ensuring her full recovery while providing all necessary support to her family during this difficult period,” the statement added.

The Armed Forces also reaffirmed their determination to bring the perpetrators to justice and sustain ongoing operations against terrorists and bandits across the country.

Military authorities stated that troops would continue efforts to track down and neutralise the criminals responsible for the abduction while intensifying operations aimed at restoring security in affected communities, particularly in Katsina State and other parts of the nation facing similar threats.

The rescue marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in the North-West, coming amid heightened security concerns following the killing of the retired senior military officer.

Major General Samaila Uba reiterated the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring Nigerians that security forces would remain relentless in the fight against criminal elements threatening national peace and stability.