By Esther Oseyiomon
A sustained military operation has led to the rescue of the wife of a former senior military officer weeks after she was abducted by armed bandits in an incident that drew concern within security circles.
Troops of the Nigerian Army, backed by air support from the Nigerian Air Force, rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, during ongoing operations under Operation FASAN YAMMA.
Military authorities said the breakthrough followed intensified search-and-rescue efforts and continuous pressure mounted on criminal groups operating within the area.
According to the military, troops made contact with the bandits during an operation around Tunga Village, forcing the armed group to abandon their position as security forces closed in.
During the encounter, the abductors reportedly shot Mrs. Abubakar before fleeing the scene under military pressure.
Troops immediately secured and evacuated her for emergency medical attention.
She is currently receiving treatment at a military hospital and has shown encouraging signs of recovery, according to security authorities.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria said all necessary support is being provided to Mrs. Abubakar and her family while recovery efforts continue.
Military authorities also reaffirmed that operations remain active to identify, track and neutralise those responsible, stressing that troops will sustain offensive actions against terrorist and bandit groups in Katsina State and other parts of the country.