Nigerian authorities have rescued the wife of a deceased former general who was abducted by bandits alongside her husband last month, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty over her whereabouts.
In a statement, the Nigerian military confirmed that Amina Abubakar, the wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar and former Director Defence Information, had been rescued from her abductors following a recent security operation.
“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 Nigerian army said on X.
According to military officials, Amina sustained a gunshot wound during the incident but is currently recuperating at an army hospital.
“In the course of the encounter, the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops,” the military said.
“She was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital, where she is responding to treatment.”
Amina's rescue comes days after the reported death of her husband, who allegedly died from natural causes while in the custody of the bandits. News of General Abubakar’s passing was confirmed by the Katsina State government last week.
“Despite the relentless and concerted efforts of the State Government and various Security Agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy. The deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” the Katsina State government said on Facebook on June 13.
“His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country.”
Nigeria has long been a hotspot for insurgent activity, with extremist groups including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) conducting attacks against civilians, security forces, and infrastructure for more than a decade.
Kidnappings have also become a persistent tactic used by armed groups and criminal gangs, with schools, rural communities, travellers, and individuals frequently targeted for ransom across parts of the northwest and northeast, contributing to widespread insecurity and displacement.
Last week, for instance, the Nigerian army reported rescuing over 360 people kidnapped by Boko Haram militants earlier this year.
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