The Nigerian military has successfully rescued the wife of late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, bringing a ray of hope after weeks of uncertainty following the couple’s abduction by bandits in Katsina State.
The rescue operation was carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Air Force under the ongoing Operation FASAN YAMMA, according to the Defence Headquarters.
Military authorities disclosed that the breakthrough came after sustained search-and-rescue missions and intensified offensives against criminal groups operating within the region.
During the operation, troops reportedly engaged the bandits around Tunga Village, forcing the criminals to come under heavy pressure and leading to the successful recovery of Mrs. Abubakar.
Confirming the development, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the rescued victim was immediately evacuated from the area and taken to a military medical facility for treatment.
In his words:
“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 added:
“Mrs Abubakar was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital, where she is responding to treatment.”
The Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would continue to provide the necessary medical and emotional support needed for her recovery.
Military authorities also vowed not to relent in ongoing operations aimed at tracking down those responsible for the kidnapping and bringing them to justice.
The rescue comes days after the tragic death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while being held captive by bandits.
The former Director of Defence Information and his wife were abducted in May while travelling through Katsina State.
Their ordeal drew national attention after a video surfaced online on June 6 showing the couple pleading with authorities to secure their release from captivity.
Sadly, the Katsina State Government later confirmed that the retired military officer had died while in captivity.
His remains were subsequently released and laid to rest according to Islamic rites at Gidan Dawa Cemetery in Katsina State.
While the loss of the respected military officer continues to generate grief across the country, the successful rescue of his wife has been welcomed as a significant breakthrough in the military’s ongoing fight against banditry and kidnapping.
Security agencies have reiterated their commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal groups and ensuring the safety of citizens across the country.
Source: Defence Headquarters (DHQ)
