Troops of the Nigerian Army, working alongside personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), have successfully rescued the wife of the late Rabe Abubakar, a retired army general who died while in bandits’ captivity.
According to a statement issued on Monday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the rescue followed intensified search-and-rescue operations carried out under 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 statement signed by Samaila Uba, director of defence information, stated.
“Mrs Abubakar was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital, where she is responding to treatment.”
Uba added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to ensuring her full recovery while providing support to her family.
He also said troops would continue operations aimed at tracking down and neutralising those behind the attack.
The late retired general and his wife were abducted in May while travelling through Katsina.
On June 6, a video surfaced online showing Abubakar and his wife pleading with the Katsina State Government to release detained bandits and their livestock in exchange for their freedom.
On Saturday, the Katsina State Government confirmed that the retired general had died in captivity.
He was later buried at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery in Katsina State.