Personnel of the Nigerian Army, backed by the Nigerian Air Force, have successfully rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was kidnapped by armed bandits alongside her husband several weeks ago.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed the development on Monday, attributing the breakthrough to intensified rescue efforts carried out by troops under Operation Fansan Yamma.
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In a statement released by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, security forces encountered the kidnappers in Tunga Village while conducting sustained offensives against criminal groups operating in the area.
According to the military, the abductors opened fire on Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing as troops advanced on their position.
The statement explained that relentless pressure mounted on the criminal elements enabled troops to locate and recover the victim during the operation.
“During the encounter, the kidnappers shot Mrs. Abubakar and subsequently abandoned her as they retreated under the overwhelming pressure of advancing troops,” the military stated.
Following her rescue, she was immediately moved to a military medical facility where she is currently receiving treatment.
Military authorities disclosed that she is responding positively to medical care and remains under close supervision.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria pledged continued support for Mrs. Abubakar and her family, assuring that every necessary measure would be taken to aid her recovery.
Defence authorities also reaffirmed their determination to track down those responsible for the abduction and other acts of criminality within the region.
Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, reportedly died while in captivity after being abducted with his wife in Katsina State.
Troops Intensify Offensive Against Criminal Networks
The rescue operation coincided with a large-scale military offensive launched by Operation Fansan Yamma in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation, tagged Operation Clean Sweep III, began on June 14, 2026, following the death of the retired senior military officer.
According to the Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops have embarked on aggressive combat patrols, intelligence-driven raids, search operations, and clearance missions targeting terrorist strongholds across the North-West.
He disclosed that significant gains had been recorded in the Dikkawa Hills axis and adjoining communities, where several hideouts linked to criminal groups were uncovered and dismantled.
Military forces also conducted clearance operations in Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa communities, destroying logistics facilities and support structures used by terrorists.
Danja noted that the operation is being executed in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen security across Katsina State.
He assured residents of Matazu and neighbouring communities that the military remains committed to safeguarding lives and property while denying terrorists and bandits freedom of operation.
Troops Overrun Lakurawa Terrorist Camp in Kebbi
In a separate operation, troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, recorded a major success against suspected Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi State.
The operation, conducted in the Dogon Daji area of Dandi Local Government Area on June 14, resulted in the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons, explosive devices, and logistics equipment.
A statement by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, said troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce battle and forced them to abandon their camp.
He explained that the soldiers deployed overwhelming firepower, compelling the insurgents to retreat from their positions.
Subsequent pursuit operations along escape routes led to the recovery of several items, including rocket-propelled grenade launch tubes, RPG warheads, improvised explosive devices, motorcycles, battery chargers, and other materials left behind by the fleeing terrorists.
Osoba described the operation as a significant blow to the group’s operational capability and confirmed that no soldier was injured or killed during the mission.
“The troops successfully completed the operation without recording any casualty,” he said.
The military reiterated its resolve to sustain ongoing offensives against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups threatening peace and security across the North-West region.
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