Troops of the Nigerian Army, with support from the Nigerian Air Force, have successfully rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, the wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, several weeks after she was abducted alongside her husband by armed bandits in Katsina State.
The Defence Headquarters announced the development on Monday, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the country.
According to military authorities, Mrs. Abubakar was rescued during a sustained search-and-rescue operation carried out by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA, one of the military’s key counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations in the North-West region.
The operation came weeks after the tragic abduction of the retired senior military officer and his wife by armed criminals. Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, reportedly died while in captivity, a development that sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for intensified action against criminal gangs operating in parts of northern Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military disclosed that troops made contact with the kidnappers during offensive operations in Tunga Village, where pressure mounted on the criminal group responsible for holding the victim.
According to the statement, the rescue followed a series of coordinated military actions aimed at locating and dismantling the network of bandits operating in the area.
“The rescue operation followed intensified search-and-rescue efforts conducted by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA,” the statement read.
“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.”
Military authorities revealed that as troops advanced on the kidnappers’ hideout, the bandits opened fire and, in the process, shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing from the scene.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the criminals were unable to withstand the overwhelming pressure from the advancing troops and escaped into surrounding areas, leaving their victim behind.
“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.
Following her rescue, troops immediately evacuated Mrs. Abubakar from the scene and transported her to a military medical facility for urgent treatment.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed that she is currently receiving specialist medical attention and is responding positively to treatment.
“Mrs. Abubakar was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital, where she is responding to treatment,” Major General Uba stated.
Military officials did not disclose the exact nature of her injuries but expressed optimism regarding her recovery.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria also assured Nigerians that every necessary measure is being taken to ensure Mrs. Abubakar receives the best possible care during her recovery process.
The military leadership further pledged to provide support to her family as they continue to cope with the trauma of the kidnapping and the painful loss of Major General Abubakar.
“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 said.
The successful rescue has been welcomed by many Nigerians, particularly members of the military community who had closely followed developments surrounding the abduction.
Major General Rabe Abubakar was widely respected for his service to the nation and his contributions to military communications and public information management. His death in captivity generated widespread condemnation and highlighted the growing security challenges facing some parts of the country.
Security analysts have noted that the rescue of Mrs. Abubakar demonstrates the increasing effectiveness of coordinated military operations against criminal groups, while also underscoring the risks faced by civilians in areas affected by banditry and terrorism.
Despite the successful recovery of the victim, military authorities stressed that the operation remains ongoing.
The Defence Headquarters vowed that troops would continue pursuing those responsible for the abduction and ensure that they are brought to justice.
According to the military, the rescue mission forms part of broader efforts to eliminate terrorist and bandit networks operating across Katsina State and other affected regions of 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 across the entire nation,” Major General Uba stated.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining pressure on criminal groups threatening peace and stability in various parts of Nigeria.
Operation FASAN YAMMA has in recent months recorded a series of successes against bandits and terrorist elements operating in the North-West, with troops conducting offensive operations, intelligence-driven raids, and rescue missions aimed at restoring security to affected communities.
The rescue of Mrs. Abubakar is expected to further boost confidence in ongoing military efforts while providing some measure of relief to her family following weeks of uncertainty and anguish.
As she continues to receive treatment, attention is now focused on the military’s ongoing manhunt for the kidnappers responsible for the attack, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks and prevent similar incidents in the future.
For many Nigerians, the successful rescue serves as a reminder of the sacrifices being made by security personnel in the fight against insecurity and the urgent need to sustain efforts to restore peace across the country.
