Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, have rescued Mrs Amina Abubakar, the wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by bandits alongside her husband several weeks ago.

The Defence Headquarters confirmed the rescue on Monday, stating that the operation was carried out following intensified search-and-rescue efforts under Operation FASAN YAMMA.

In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military said troops engaged the kidnappers during sustained offensive operations in Tunga Village, leading to the victim’s recovery.

According to the statement, the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before fleeing the scene as troops advanced on their position.

“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 read.

It added that the attackers abandoned her and escaped due to pressure from advancing troops.

“In the course of the encounter, the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops,” it said.

The rescued victim was immediately evacuated to a military medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding to care.

“Mrs Abubakar was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital, where she is responding to treatment,” the statement added.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria assured that it remains committed to ensuring her full recovery and supporting her family during this difficult period.

It also pledged to intensify ongoing operations aimed at tracking down and neutralising those responsible for the abduction and other criminal activities across affected regions.

“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 in the entire nation,” the Defence Headquarters said.

Late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, reportedly died in captivity after he and his wife were abducted by bandits in Katsina State.