DHQ confirms rescue of late Gen. Abubakar’s wife from bandits

Abuja: The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the rescue of Mrs Amina Abubakar, wife of the late former Director of Defence Information, retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, from bandits’ captivity.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Uba said troops of the Nigerian Army, with support from the Nigerian Air Force, rescued Abubakar during intensified search-and-rescue operations under Operation Fansan Yamma.

He said the rescue followed sustained offensive operations and pressure mounted on the criminal elements by troops operating in the area.

According to him, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga village, leading to the successful recovery of Abubakar.

“The rescue operation followed intensified search-and-rescue efforts conducted by troops of Operation Fansan 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 Abubakar.”

Uba said the bandits shot Abubakar during the encounter before abandoning her and fleeing due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops.

He said she was immediately evacuated and was currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital.

“Mrs Abubakar is responding to treatment,” he said.

The defence spokesman said the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained committed to ensuring her full recovery and was providing all necessary support to her family.

He added that troops would continue ongoing operations to track down and neutralise the perpetrators.

Uba said efforts were also being intensified to rid affected communities of terrorists and other criminal elements across Katsina State and the country at large.

Mrs Abubakar was abducted alongside her husband few weeks ago by bandits in the state.

The DHQ had on June 13 confirmed the death of Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar (Rtd.) in captivity in spite of efforts by security forces to secure his release.