Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Nigerian military has confirmed the rescue of Mrs Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, who was abducted alongside her husband by bandits in Katsina State a few weeks ago.
According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the rescue followed intensified search-and-rescue operations conducted by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma in the affected areas.
The statement explained that sustained offensive operations and mounting pressure on criminal elements led troops to make contact with the bandits at Tunga Village, resulting in the successful recovery of Mrs Abubakar.
It added that during the encounter, the bandits shot the victim before abandoning her and fleeing the scene due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops.
Mrs Abubakar was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at a military medical facility, where she is said to be responding to treatment.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring her full recovery and providing all necessary support to the bereaved family during this difficult period.
It further stated that troops would continue ongoing operations aimed at tracking down and neutralising the perpetrators, as well as intensifying efforts to rid affected communities of terrorists and bandits across Katsina State and other parts of the country.
Earlier accounts indicated that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma had rescued the widow following a violent encounter with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The rescue came barely three days after the death of her husband and after she had spent over two weeks in captivity.
Major General Abubakar (rtd) and his wife were abducted on 30 May 2026 while travelling along the Matazu axis of the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Katsina State.
He reportedly died on 13 June 2026 after spending about two weeks in captivity, with reports attributing his death to complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.
Military sources said the rescue operation, conducted under Operation Clean Sweep III, followed sustained intelligence-led offensives in Matazu and neighbouring communities after the initial abduction.
Troops were said to have engaged the bandits at Tunga Village during a search-and-rescue mission, forcing them to flee under heavy military pressure.
A source was quoted as saying: “The bandits shot her and fled when we made contact at Tunga Village. We have rescued Mrs Abubakar. She is bleeding; we have given her first aid and are moving her for urgent medical attention.”
The source further confirmed that the victim was stabilised by troops before being evacuated to a medical facility.
Follow-up operations, according to the source, have been intensified in the area, with troops continuing a coordinated pursuit of fleeing bandits and suspected kingpins believed to be responsible for the attack and earlier abduction.
Security sources reaffirmed that the military remains committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice.