Troops Secure Release of Wife of Slain Defence Spokesman From Bandits

The Nigerian military on Monday revealed how troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA, backed by Nigerian Air Force, rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information (DDI), from the bandits’ den.

The rescue followed weeks of intense search-and-rescue operations launched after Mrs Abubakar was abducted along with her husband by armed bandits, the military said.

According to the military, the troops continued to pressure the criminal group through a series of offensive operations and intelligence-driven missions to locate the kidnappers and free the victim.

The statement by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village during one of the operations, which was the breakthrough.

The military said the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar and abandoned her before fleeing when the troops advanced on their position and came under overwhelming pressure from the security forces.

Troops immediately secured the area and recovered the victim, ending her ordeal of captivity.

She was evacuated from the scene and taken to a military hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Mrs. Abubakar is responding well to treatment and remains under close medical supervision, the Armed Forces said.

The military leadership has also assured that all the necessary support is being provided to her and her family to ensure her full recovery.

Late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Defence spokesman and a senior military officer, was abducted along with his wife in an incident that raised concerns and condemnation across the board.

Following the abduction, troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA intensified efforts to track down the kidnappers using ground operations, aerial surveillance and support from the Nigerian Air Force.

The armed forces would intensify their operations to track down and neutralise those behind the abduction and continue to rid Katsina State and other parts of the country of terrorists and bandits, the Armed Forces said, quoting Major General Uba.