By Teddy Nwanunobi
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that wife of late Major General Rabe Abubakar and former Director Defence Information, Mrs Amina Abubakar, has been rescued.
However, Mrs Abubakar was shot and abandoned by the bandits before she was rescued by the troops of the Nigerian Army in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, as reported by Zagazola Makama, a security analyst and counter insurgency expert, at his X handle (@ZagazOlaMakama).
“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,” Makama wrote.
According to a statement issued by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, on Monday night, Mrs Abubakar, who was abducted by bandits alongside her husband a few weeks ago, was “successfully rescued” by the troops of the Nigerian Army, with the support of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
”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.
”In the course of the encounter, the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops.
”Mrs Abubakar was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital, where she is responding to treatment.
”The leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to ensuring her full recovery and is providing all necessary support to her family during this difficult period.
”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 in the statement.
Meanwhile, the family members of Mrs. Abubakar are excited that she has been rescued.
”Family members of Mrs. Abubakar, wife of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, celebrate as troops of OPERATION FANSAN YANMA rescued her,” Makama wrote, with a short video of the jubilating members of the family.
