Nigerian troops have rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, the wife of late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who was abducted by bandits several weeks ago alongside her husband, the Defence Headquarters announced on Sunday.
Mrs. Abubakar was freed during a fierce encounter with her captors in Tunga Village, Katsina State, following sustained offensive operations by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA, supported by the Nigerian Air Force.
According to a statement by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, the rescue came after intensified search efforts. As troops mounted pressure on the criminal elements, they made contact with the bandits, leading to a firefight.
In the chaos, the bandits shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing under the overwhelming advance of the troops.
She was immediately evacuated to a military hospital, where she is currently receiving medical attention and responding to treatment.
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“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,” Major General Uba said.
The military did not provide details on the fate of Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside his wife. He is referred to as “late” in the statement, but no further information was given on the circumstances of his death.
Earlier reports indicated that the Abubakar died in captivity.
The late former information director and his wife were kidnapped while travelling through Katsina.
A video that appeared online showed the couple begging the Katsina government to free bandits in detention and their livestock to secure their release.
The Major General was reportedly buried on Saturday in Katsina.
The troops vowed to continue operations to track down and neutralise the fleeing bandits, with a mandate to rid affected communities of terrorists not only in Katsina but across the nation.
