Troops rescue wife of late ex-defence spokesman from bandits’ captivity

ABUJA — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the rescue of Mrs Amina Abubakar, wife of the late former Director of Defence Information, retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, from bandits’ captivity.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, rescued Mrs Abubakar during intensified search-and-rescue operations conducted under Operation Fansan Yamma.

Uba said the rescue followed sustained offensive operations against criminal elements in the area.

He explained that troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga village, leading to the successful recovery of Mrs Abubakar.

“The rescue operation followed intensified search-and-rescue efforts conducted by troops of Operation Fansan 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,” he said.

The defence spokesman disclosed that the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar during the encounter before abandoning her and fleeing due to pressure from advancing troops.

He said she was immediately evacuated to a military hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment.

“Mrs Abubakar is responding to treatment,” Uba added.

He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained committed to ensuring her full recovery and was providing the necessary support to her family.

Uba also assured that troops would continue ongoing operations to track down those responsible for the abduction and other criminal activities.

According to him, efforts are being intensified to rid affected communities in Katsina State and other parts of the country of terrorists and criminal elements.

Mrs Abubakar was abducted alongside her husband by bandits a few weeks ago.

The Defence Headquarters had on June 13 confirmed the death of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar while in captivity despite efforts by security forces to secure his release.