Nigerian Troops Rescue Wife Of Major General Rabe Who Died In Bandits’ Captivity

Troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, have rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, the wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, following her abduction by bandits several weeks ago.

The military disclosed that the rescue was achieved through intensified search-and-rescue operations conducted by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA, a major counter-banditry and counter-terrorism operation in northwestern Nigeria.

According to military authorities, troops sustained pressure on the criminal elements through a series of offensive operations, eventually making contact with the bandits at Tunga Village.

The encounter led to the successful recovery of Mrs. Abubakar.

However, during the confrontation, the fleeing bandits reportedly shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her as advancing troops closed in on their position.

Military sources said she was immediately evacuated from the scene and transported to a military medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment. Officials confirmed that she is responding positively to medical care.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Mrs. Abubakar’s full recovery, noting that all necessary support is being provided to her and her family during the period of rehabilitation.

The military also pledged to continue operations aimed at tracking down and neutralising those responsible for the abduction.

Authorities emphasised that ongoing security operations would be intensified to eliminate terrorist and bandit networks operating in Katsina State and other affected parts of the country.

The rescue is being viewed as a significant breakthrough in the military’s ongoing efforts to combat insecurity and restore peace in communities affected by banditry and terrorism across northern Nigeria.

Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, who announced the development on Monday, reiterated the Armed Forces’ determination to sustain pressure on criminal groups until they are dismantled and communities are secured.

The rescue comes amid continued military operations across several theatres in the country, where security forces have intensified efforts to curb kidnapping, banditry, and terrorist activities threatening lives and livelihoods.