By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Nigerian military on Monday revealed how troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, successfully rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information (DDI), from the custody of bandits.
The military said the rescue followed weeks of intensive search-and-rescue operations launched after Mrs. Abubakar was abducted alongside her husband by armed bandits.
According to military authorities, troops sustained pressure on the criminal group through a series of offensive operations and intelligence-driven missions aimed at locating the kidnappers and securing the victim’s freedom.
A statement issued by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the breakthrough came when troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village during one of the operations.
The military disclosed that as troops advanced on the criminals’ position, the bandits opened fire and shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing under overwhelming pressure from the security forces.
Troops immediately secured the area and recovered the victim, bringing an end to her ordeal in captivity.
She was subsequently evacuated from the scene and taken to a military hospital for urgent medical treatment.
The Armed Forces said Mrs. Abubakar is responding positively to treatment and remains under close medical supervision.
The military leadership also assured that all necessary support is being provided to her and her family to ensure her full recovery.
The late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Defence spokesman and senior military officer, was abducted alongside his wife in an incident that generated widespread concern and condemnation.
Following the abduction, troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA intensified efforts to track down the kidnappers, combining ground operations with aerial surveillance and support from the Nigerian Air Force.
Major General Uba stated that the Armed Forces would continue operations to hunt down and neutralise those responsible for the abduction, while sustaining efforts to rid Katsina State and other affected parts of the country of terrorists and bandits.
