…Victim shot by abductors during rescue operation
By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The Nigerian military has rescued Mrs Amina Abubakar, wife of the late former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), who was abducted alongside her husband by bandits several weeks ago.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed on Monday that troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, successfully rescued the victim during an intensified search-and-rescue operation targeting criminal elements operating in the North-West.
Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former military spokesman, reportedly died in captivity last weekend after he and his wife were kidnapped by bandits while travelling through Katsina State.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military said the rescue followed sustained offensive operations and mounting pressure on the bandits by security forces.
According to the statement, troops made contact with the criminals at Tunga Village during a coordinated operation, leading to the successful recovery of Mrs Abubakar.
The military disclosed that the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar during the encounter before abandoning her and fleeing as troops closed in on their location.
“In the course of the encounter, the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops,” the statement said.
Following her rescue, the victim was immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment.
The Defence Headquarters said Mrs Abubakar is currently receiving medical attention and has been responding positively to treatment.
Military authorities also assured that every necessary support is being provided to ensure her full recovery and to assist her family during the difficult period.
“The leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to ensuring her full recovery and is providing all necessary support to her family during this difficult period,” the statement added.
The military further reaffirmed its determination to track down those responsible for the abduction and other criminal activities in the region.
It stated that troops would continue ongoing operations aimed at neutralising bandits and terrorists while restoring peace and security in affected communities.
The rescue comes days after the death of Major General Abubakar in captivity, a development that sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for intensified action against banditry and kidnapping across the country.
The Armed Forces said it remains committed to sustaining offensive operations against criminal groups in Katsina State and other parts of the country until lasting peace and security are restored.
Read the statement below:
TROOPS RESCUE WIFE OF FORMER DIRECTOR DEFENCE INFORMATION FROM BANDITS
…She Was Shot and Wounded by the Bandits
Troops of the Nigerian Army with the support of the Nigerian Air Force have successfully rescued Mrs Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar and former Director Defence Information, who was abducted by bandits alongside her husband a few weeks ago.
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.
SAMAILA UBA
Major General
Director Defence Information
15 June 2026
