Troops of the Nigerian Army, backed by Nigerian Air Force air support have rescued Mrs Amina Abubakar, widow of the late Maj-Gen Rabe Abubakar, weeks after she was kidnapped by armed bandits in Katsina State.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed the rescue on Monday, saying it followed intensified search-and-rescue operations under Operation FASAN YAMMA
According to the Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen Samaila Uba troops tracked the kidnappers to Tunga Village during sustained offensive operations against criminal groups.
“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,” Uba said in a statement.
He added that the bandits opened fire on Mrs Abubakar before fleeing due to “overwhelming pressure from advancing troops.
“Mrs Abubakar was immediately evacuated to a military medical facility. Officials said she is responding to treatment and her condition is improving.
“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 noted.
The military said operations will continue to track down and neutralize those behind the kidnapping and other violent crimes in Katsina and 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 stated.
Late Maj-Gen Rabe Abubakar, who once served as Director of Defence Information, reportedly died in captivity after he and his wife were abducted by bandits in Katsina State several weeks ago.
