Troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, have rescued Mrs Amina Abubakar, the widow of the late Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by bandits alongside her husband several weeks ago.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed the rescue on Monday, saying it followed intensified search-and-rescue operations under Operation Fansan Yamma aimed at clearing criminal elements in Katsina State.
According to the Director Defence Information, Maj Gen Samaila Uba, troops made contact with the kidnappers at Tunga Village during sustained offensive operations in the area.
He said the bandits shot the victim before abandoning her and fleeing under pressure from advancing troops.
“The rescue operation followed intensified search-and-rescue efforts conducted by troops of Operation Fansan 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,” he said.
“In the course of the encounter, the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops.”
Uba added that the victim was immediately evacuated to a military medical facility where she is currently receiving treatment.
“Mrs Abubakar was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital, where she is responding to treatment,” he stated.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria said it remains committed to ensuring her recovery and supporting her family during the 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 also vowed to sustain operations targeting those behind the abduction and other criminal activities in the region.
The late Maj Gen Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, was reportedly killed in captivity after he and his wife were abducted in Katsina State.
The rescue operation came as troops under Operation Fansan Yamma intensified offensives in Matazu Local Government Area, destroying several bandit hideouts and logistics bases.
Troops displace Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi offensive
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have overpowered suspected Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi State, recovering weapons, explosives, and logistics materials during a coordinated operation in Dogon Daji, Dandi Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out on Sunday, 14 June 2026, formed part of ongoing efforts to clear terrorist enclaves across the North-West.
According to the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army, Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba, troops engaged the terrorists and forced them to abandon their camp.
“The gallant troops brought superior firepower to bear on the Lakurawa terrorist group, decisively overwhelming the terrorists and forcing them to flee,” he said.
He added that follow-up pursuit operations led to the recovery of weapons and logistics items abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
Items recovered include rocket-propelled grenade launch tubes, RPG warheads, improvised explosive devices, motorcycles, and other equipment used by the group.
“The follow-on aggressive pursuit along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes led to the recovery of a large cache of arms, explosives and logistics equipment abandoned by the fleeing elements,” Osoba stated.
He said no casualties were recorded among troops during the operation.
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