The Nigerian Army has rescued the wife of late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar following a gun battle with armed bandits during a search-and-rescue operation in Katsina State.
Mrs. Abubakar was reportedly freed on Sunday after troops engaged the kidnappers at Tunga village in Matazu Local Government Area, forcing the criminals to abandon their captive and flee under intense military pressure.
Military sources disclosed that the victim sustained a gunshot wound during the encounter but was immediately stabilized by troops before being evacuated for urgent medical treatment.
“The bandits shot her and fled when we made contact at Tunga village. We have rescued Mrs. Abubakar. She is bleeding, we have given her first aid and are moving her for urgent medical attention,” a military source said.
The source added that soldiers on the ground swiftly administered first aid and ensured her evacuation to a medical facility for further care.
The rescue comes amid heightened security operations in Katsina State following the abduction of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife by suspected bandits along the Matazu axis of the state on May 30.
Security agencies and the Katsina State Government had intensified efforts to secure their release after the incident.
The development also follows reports confirming the death of Major General Abubakar while in captivity.
The Katsina State Government had announced that the retired officer died after suffering health complications during his ordeal in the hands of his abductors.
The successful rescue of Mrs. Abubakar is expected to bring some relief to the family and the military community, which has continued to mourn the late senior officer while calling for stronger measures against banditry and kidnapping across the country.
Security authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the operation as of press time.
