Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, widow of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, after she was abducted by bandits shortly before her husband reportedly died in captivity.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed the rescue in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, noting that the operation was carried out by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA following intensified search-and-rescue efforts.
According to the statement, sustained offensive operations and mounting pressure on the criminal elements led troops to Tunga Village, where they engaged the bandits and successfully secured the release of Mrs. Abubakar.
The military said the abductors, on sighting advancing troops, opened fire and shot the victim before fleeing the scene.
Mrs. Abubakar was immediately evacuated to a military medical facility where she is currently receiving treatment and is said to be responding positively.
The Defence Headquarters assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to ensuring her full recovery, adding that support is being provided to her family during the period of recovery.
It also reaffirmed its determination to track down and neutralise those responsible for the abduction, while intensifying ongoing operations aimed at clearing terrorist and bandit networks across Katsina State and other parts of the country.
Following the death of Major General Abubakar, the military launched a wider offensive under Operation Fansan Yamma, including a major operation codenamed “Operation Clean Sweep III,” targeting terrorist and bandit strongholds in Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
The operation, which commenced on June 14, 2026, is aimed at dismantling criminal networks, neutralising armed groups, and restoring security to affected communities in Katsina State and beyond.
