Army, Air Force rescue former defense spokesman’s wife after weeks of being held hostage by bandits

The Nigerian military has succeeded in rescuing Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late former Director of Defense Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar, after weeks of captivity by armed bandits kidnapped the couple in Katsina State.

Defense Headquarters announced the development on Monday, revealing that the rescue was achieved through sustained military operations carried out by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA with support from the Nigerian Air Force.

According to military authorities, the breakthrough came after increased offensive operations targeting criminal groups operating in the region. Troops eventually tracked the kidnappers to Tunga Village, where contact was established during the ongoing search and rescue mission.

Giving details of the operation, Director of Defense Information, Major General Samaila Uba, explained that the pressure exerted on the criminals forced them to retreat, leading to the recovery of Mrs. Abubakar.

“This rescue operation was carried out following intensive search and rescue efforts carried out by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA. During sustained offensive operations and increased pressure on criminal elements, troops came into contact with bandits in Tunga Village, which led to the successful recovery of Mrs Abubakar.

“During the encounter, the bandits shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing under immense pressure from the advancing troops,” the statement read in part.

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Military authorities revealed that after being rescued, Mrs. Abubakar was immediately taken to a military medical facility where doctors began treatment.

“Mrs Abubakar was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at the military hospital, where she is receiving treatment,” Uba said.

The Armed Forces assured Nigerians that all necessary measures have been taken to support his recovery and provide assistance to his family following the traumatic experience.

“The leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces remains committed to ensuring his full recovery and providing all necessary support to his family during this difficult time,” the statement added.

The military further reiterated its determination to hunt down those responsible for the kidnapping and intensify operations against criminal networks terrorizing communities across the country.

“Troops will continue operations to trace and neutralize the perpetrators, while intensifying efforts to clean up terrorist-affected communities not only in Katsina but across the country,” Uba said.

Major General Rabe Abubakar, who previously served as Director of Defense Information, died in captivity after he and his wife were kidnapped by bandits in Katsina State. His death drew widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about the growing threat posed by armed criminal groups operating in Nigeria’s north.

The successful rescue of Mrs Abubakar is seen as a significant breakthrough in the military’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the bandit network and secure the release of victims still detained across the country.