By Heapnews
Nigerian troops have rescued the wife of a former senior military officer who was abducted by armed bandits alongside her husband weeks ago, the military said on Monday.
Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, was recovered during a military operation conducted by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA with support from the Nigerian Air Force.
According to the military, the rescue followed intensified search-and-rescue efforts targeting criminal groups operating in parts of northwestern Nigeria.
Troops reportedly made contact with the bandits in Tunga Village during a sustained offensive operation aimed at locating the abductors and securing the release of victims.
The military said the gunmen shot Mrs. Abubakar during the encounter before abandoning her and fleeing as troops advanced on their position.
She was evacuated from the area and taken to a military hospital, where she is receiving treatment and responding positively, according to a statement from the Armed Forces.
The military said it was providing support to Mrs. Abubakar and her family as she recovers from her injuries.
Bandit attacks and kidnappings for ransom remain a major security challenge across parts of northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target communities, travellers and prominent individuals.
The Armed Forces said operations were continuing to track down those responsible for the abduction and to intensify efforts to restore security in Katsina State and other affected areas.
“We remain committed to ensuring her full recovery and bringing the perpetrators to justice,” the military said.