Troops Rescue Widow of Ex-Military Spokesman

June 15, () — Troops of the Nigerian Army, backed by the Nigerian Air Force, have successfully rescued Mrs Amina Abubakar, wife of the late former Director of Defence Information, Rabe Abubakar, after bandits who abducted her allegedly shot and abandoned her while attempting to escape advancing military forces..

Thus comes less than 72 hours after her husband died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while being held by the bandits.

Mrs Abubakar was kidnapped alongside her husband several weeks ago in an incident that drew concern within military and security circles, as authorities launched efforts to locate the abductors and secure her freedom.

Her rescue followed a sustained search-and-rescue mission conducted by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA, one of the military’s ongoing offensives targeting bandit networks and armed criminal groups operating across parts of northern Nigeria.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, troops intensified pressure on the criminal gang during coordinated offensive operations, eventually tracing the abductors to Tunga Village, where military forces engaged them in a tactical operation.

The Defence Headquarters said the bandits, overwhelmed by the advancing troops and unable to withstand the pressure from the security operation, opened fire on Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing the scene.

Military officials said the act appeared to be a desperate move by the criminals as troops tightened their operational cordon and moved in to recover the victim.

“The rescue operation followed intensified search-and-rescue efforts conducted by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA. 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,” the statement said.

Following the rescue, troops immediately evacuated the injured woman to a military medical facility where she is currently receiving treatment for gunshot wounds sustained during the encounter.

The Defence Headquarters disclosed that Mrs Abubakar is responding positively to treatment and remains under close medical supervision.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria also assured that every necessary medical and welfare support is being provided to Mrs Abubakar and her family as efforts continue to ensure her full recovery from the traumatic ordeal.

“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 military statement added.

Meanwhile, military authorities confirmed that troops have launched follow-up operations aimed at tracking down members of the criminal gang responsible for the abduction, vowing that those behind the attack would be brought to justice.

The Armed Forces further reiterated their resolve to sustain aggressive military operations against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers threatening communities nationwide.

According to the Defence Headquarters, ongoing offensives will continue not only in Katsina State and other troubled parts of the North-West, but across the country as security forces intensify efforts to dismantle criminal enclaves and restore safety in vulnerable communities.