Nigerian army frees wife of slain military spokesman

Written by Boubacar Sani:

The Nigerian army announced its success in liberating Amina Abu BakrThe wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, former spokesman for the Nigerian Ministry of Defense, was released weeks after being kidnapped by gunmen in Katsina State in the north of the country.

The Nigerian Defence Command confirmed in an official statement that the rescue operation came after intensive efforts carried out by the forces of Operation “Fasan Yama” with the support of the Nigerian Air Force, as part of an ongoing campaign to pursue criminal groups and bandits in the affected areas.

According to the statement, the forces clashed with the kidnappers during an offensive operation targeting one of their strongholds in the village of Tonga in Katsina State, forcing the militants to flee under the pressure of ongoing military operations.

The kidnappers fired shots before abandoning her.

Military authorities explained that the kidnappers shot Amina Abu Bakr before abandoning her as they tried to escape from the forces that were surrounding the area.

For his part, Nigerian Defense Information Director Major General Samaila Oba said that the victim was immediately evacuated from the scene of the operation and transferred to a military medical facility to receive the necessary care, stressing that her health condition is gradually improving and she is responding positively to treatment.

He noted that the armed forces provided all forms of medical and psychological support to the victim and her family, as part of efforts to help them overcome the effects of the incident.

The Nigerian army affirmed its determination to continue military operations against armed groups involved in kidnappings and criminal attacks, stressing that the forces will continue to pursue those responsible for the incident until they are brought to justice.

The rescue operation comes weeks after the announcement of the death of Major General Rabe Abubakar, the former director of defense information, during his captivity following his abduction with his wife by gunmen in Katsina State, an incident that sparked widespread grief within military and official circles in Nigeria.

Nigerian authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to continuing security and military operations to eliminate the threats of terrorism and banditry in Katsina State and several other northern states, with the aim of strengthening security and protecting civilians.