The Nigerian Army has rescued Amina Abubakar, widow of the late Major General Abubakar Rabe (retd), from captivity following a military operation that forced her abductors to release her.
Her rescue came two days after the tragic death of her husband while both were being held by bandits.
The development has ended weeks of uncertainty over her fate and renewed attention on the security situation in the state.
A military source familiar with the operation said the rescue was carried out on Monday after troops tracked the movement of the bandits and engaged them in a gun battle, leading to the successful recovery of the widow.
The source said the operation was conducted under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, following intelligence-driven missions in Matazu and neighbouring communities.
According to the source, soldiers traced the kidnappers to Tunga village during a search-and-rescue operation and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Under intense military pressure, the bandits fled the area after shooting the victim.
Quoting one of the military personnel involved in the operation, the source said:
“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.”
The source added that the victim was stabilised before being evacuated to a medical facility for further treatment.
Meanwhile, troops have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects, with ongoing operations targeting those believed to be behind the abduction and other criminal activities in the area.
The military also vowed to sustain Operation CLEAN SWEEP III until bandit hideouts and other criminal enclaves in the affected communities are completely dismantled.