Military rescues wife of late ex-defence spokesman abducted by bandits

Troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, have rescued  Amina Abubakar, the wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by bandits alongside her husband several weeks ago.

The Defence Headquarters announced the rescue on Monday.

It said the operation followed intensified search-and-rescue efforts by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA.

A statement signed by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said troops made contact with the kidnappers at Tunga Village during sustained offensive operations against criminal elements in the area.

According to the military, the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing in the face of advancing troops.

“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.

The military said the rescued victim was immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for 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 of Nigeria assured that it would provide all necessary support to ensure her recovery and assist her family during the period.

“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 also vowed to sustain operations aimed at apprehending those responsible for the abduction and other criminal activities.

“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.

Late Major General Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, died in captivity after he and his wife were abducted by bandits in Katsina state.