Troops of the Nigerian Army with backing of the Nigerian Air Force have freed Mrs Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was taken by bandits together with her husband, few weeks ago.
The rescue was confirmed today by the Defence Headquarters.
The PUNCH reported that the operation was carried out after troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA escalated search and rescue operations.
“Troops made contact with the kidnappers at Tunga Village during sustained offensive operations against criminal elements in the area,” the statement signed by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
The military said the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before they abandoned her and fled as troops advanced.
Troops of mission FASAN YAMMA had already boosted search-and-rescue efforts prior to the rescue mission. Troops engaged bandits at Tunga Village during persistent offensive operations and pressure mounted on the criminal elements, resulting in the successful recapture of Mrs Abubakar.
“The bandits shot Mrs Abubakar in the course of the encounter and abandoned her and fled due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops,” the statement partly claimed.
The rescued victim was sent immediately to a military medical facility for treatment, the military said.
“Mrs Abubakar was immediately evacuated and is receiving medical attention at a military hospital where she is responding to treatment,” Uba said.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria has promised to give all the necessary help to ensure her rehabilitation and support her family in the period.
The statement said, “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 military also committed to continue efforts to track down individuals guilty for the kidnapping and other crimes.
“Troops will continue operations to track and neutralise the perpetrators and also intensify efforts to rid the affected communities of terrorists not only in Katsina but across the country,” Uba said.
Late Major General Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, died in captivity after he and his wife were kidnapped by bandits in Katsina state.
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