Troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, have rescued Mrs Amina Abubakar, the widow of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside her husband by bandits in Katsina State several weeks ago.
The Defence Headquarters said the rescue followed intensified search-and-rescue operations by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma. According to the military, troops engaged the kidnappers at Tunga Village, forcing them to abandon Mrs Abubakar and flee.
The military disclosed that the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before escaping under pressure from advancing troops. She was immediately evacuated to a military medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Armed Forces assured that all necessary support would be provided to aid her recovery and assist her family during the period.
The rescue operation came amid a broader military offensive in Katsina State under Operation Clean Sweep III. Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma carried out clearance operations in Matazu Local Government Area, destroying terrorist hideouts, logistics bases and support structures in several communities, including Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa.
The military said the operation was launched following the death of Major General Abubakar in captivity and forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks operating across the North-West. Troops have been conducting intelligence-led raids, fighting patrols and cordon-and-search operations across identified criminal enclaves.
In a related development, troops in Kebbi State overpowered suspected Lakurawa terrorists during an offensive operation in Dandi Local Government Area. The troops recovered rocket-propelled grenade launch tubes, RPG warheads, improvised explosive devices, motorcycles and other logistics equipment abandoned by the fleeing terrorists, while recording no casualties during the operation.
