KATSINA, NIGERIA — June 15, 2026
The Nigerian military has confirmed the successful rescue of Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, following weeks in captivity after her abduction by armed bandits in Katsina State.
According to military authorities, the rescue operation was carried out by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle bandit and terrorist networks operating across northwestern Nigeria.
The Armed Forces disclosed that troops intensified search-and-rescue operations and maintained sustained pressure on the kidnappers through a series of coordinated offensives before eventually locating the criminal group in Tunga Village.
During the operation, troops reportedly engaged the bandits, forcing them to flee from their hideout.
Military sources revealed that as the criminals retreated, they shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her while attempting to escape advancing security forces.
Despite sustaining injuries, she was successfully recovered by troops and immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for urgent treatment.
Officials confirmed that Mrs. Abubakar is currently receiving medical attention and is responding positively to treatment.
The military assured Nigerians that every necessary measure is being taken to support her recovery and provide assistance to her family throughout the rehabilitation process.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, described the rescue as a significant achievement in the ongoing fight against insecurity.
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to tracking down and neutralising those responsible for the abduction while intensifying operations against bandit and terrorist groups threatening communities across northern Nigeria.
Security authorities also stressed that military offensives would continue until criminal networks operating in Katsina State and other affected regions are dismantled.
The rescue is being viewed as another major breakthrough in Nigeria’s counter-banditry campaign, as security forces sustain pressure on armed groups responsible for kidnappings, attacks on communities, and other violent crimes.
The development comes amid renewed military operations across several conflict zones where troops have stepped up efforts to restore peace, protect civilians, and combat terrorism and banditry.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that security agencies remain on high alert as operations continue to locate and apprehend those behind the abduction.
