The Nigerian Army has rescued Mrs Amina Abubakar, wife of the late former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), weeks after she was abducted by bandits alongside her husband.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
According to the statement, troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, rescued Mrs Abubakar during intensified search-and-rescue operations targeting the criminal group responsible for the abduction.
“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,” the statement said.
The military, however, disclosed that the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing.
“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 added.
She was immediately evacuated to a military hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment.
“Mrs Abubakar was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital, where she is responding to treatment,” DHQ said.
The Armed Forces also pledged continued support for her recovery and vowed to sustain operations against terrorist and bandit groups across the country.
“The leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to ensuring her full recovery and is providing all necessary support to her family during this difficult period.
“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,” the statement noted.
Recall that the retired major general’s body was earlier returned to his family after he died while in captivity. Initial reports had suggested that his wife had also been released by the abductors, but those claims later proved to be different from the situation on ground.
