Troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, have rescued Mrs Amina Abubakar, the wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, following weeks in the custody of bandits.

The rescue was confirmed on Monday by the Defence Headquarters, which said the operation was carried out after intensified search-and-rescue efforts under Operation FASAN YAMMA.

In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military said troops made contact with the kidnappers during sustained offensive operations at Tunga Village.

According to the statement, the bandits opened fire on Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing as troops advanced on their position.

“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,” the statement said.

It added that she sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter but was quickly evacuated to a military medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively.

“Mrs Abubakar was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital, where she is responding to treatment,” the statement noted.

The Armed Forces said it remains committed to ensuring her full recovery while also supporting her family during this difficult period.

It further pledged to sustain ongoing operations aimed at tracking down and neutralising those responsible for the abduction and other criminal activities.

“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 statement added.

Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, reportedly died while in captivity after he and his wife were abducted by bandits in Katsina State several weeks ago.