The Nigerian military has successfully rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, following weeks of captivity in the hands of bandits.

The rescue was carried out by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force during intensified search-and-rescue operations aimed at locating and securing her release.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, troops made contact with the kidnappers at Tunga Village after sustained offensive operations and mounting pressure on criminal elements operating within the area.

The military disclosed that during the encounter, the fleeing bandits shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her as troops closed in on their location. She was subsequently recovered and evacuated from the area.

Mrs. Abubakar was immediately taken to a military hospital, where she is currently receiving medical treatment. The Defence Headquarters said she is responding positively to treatment and remains under close medical supervision.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria assured the public of its commitment to her full recovery and stated that all necessary support is being provided to her family during this difficult period.

The military further revealed that operations are ongoing to track down and neutralise the bandits responsible for the abduction. Troops, it said, will continue to intensify efforts to eliminate terrorist and criminal threats not only in Katsina State but across the country.

Major General Samaila Uba reiterated the Armed Forces’ resolve to restore peace and security in affected communities and ensure that those responsible for acts of banditry and terrorism are brought to justice.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Nigerian troops and other security personnel for their dedication and sacrifices in the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the country.

In a message posted on his official X account on Monday, the President described members of the Armed Forces and security agencies as the nation’s shield against criminal elements threatening peace, safety, and national unity.

According to Tinubu, security operatives continue to make immense sacrifices in difficult and dangerous environments to ensure that Nigerians can go about their daily activities without fear.

“You stand as a shield between innocent citizens and those who seek to destroy the peace, safety, and dignity of our communities,” the President stated.

He noted that personnel of the military and other security agencies are deployed across forests, highways, airspace, waterways, and remote operational areas, carrying the responsibility of protecting millions of citizens.

“In the forests, on the roads, at forward operating bases, in the air, creeks, and across difficult terrains, you carry the burden of national protection so that millions of Nigerians can sleep, work, worship, farm, trade, and raise their children in hope,” he said.

The President acknowledged the challenges faced by security personnel, noting that the battle against terrorism and insecurity has come with enormous pressure, hardship, and sacrifice.

“This fight has not been easy. It has come with pain, pressure, and sacrifice. But your courage has remained firm. Your service is acknowledged. Your sacrifice is honoured. Your country does not take you for granted,” he added.

Tinubu extended his appreciation to members of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), intelligence agencies, local security outfits, and other stakeholders contributing to national security efforts.

The President also paid tribute to the families of security personnel, recognizing the emotional burden they bear while their loved ones serve the nation in various operational theatres.

“I also acknowledge the families behind the uniform. Many of you have endured long absences, anxious nights, and the emotional cost of duty. Nigeria remembers that sacrifice, too,” he said.

He further honoured officers and men who lost their lives while protecting the country, describing their sacrifice as crucial to preserving peace and safeguarding communities.

Tinubu called on Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist in preventing criminal activities and tracking down perpetrators.

“The fight against terror is not only a military operation. It is a national duty. Citizens must support our security forces by providing timely, useful information. When you see something, say something. When you know something, report it,” the President urged.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ending insecurity, Tinubu stressed that Nigeria would not bow to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, or violent extremists.

“Nigeria will not surrender to fear. We will not allow terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, or violent extremists to define who we are as a people. Their violence is not our identity. Their hatred does not represent Nigerians of any faith, creed, or community,” he declared.

The President concluded by expressing gratitude to frontline security personnel for their courage, vigilance, and commitment to national service, while praying for their safety and success in ongoing operations.

Tinubu’s remarks come amid renewed security concerns in several parts of the country, including incidents of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence. Recent months have witnessed a number of mass abductions, including the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno States, attacks on rural communities by armed groups, and the abduction of travellers along major highways.

Despite these challenges, the Federal Government has continued to assure Nigerians that efforts are being intensified to restore peace and strengthen security across the country.

ABUJA, – In what could become one of the most significant security reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, the Senate has concluded plans to consider and fast-track constitutional amendments that will pave the way for the establishment of State Police across the federation.

The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed on Monday that the National Assembly is set to isolate the State Police proposal from other constitutional amendment bills and expedite its passage due to the urgent security challenges confronting the country.

According to Bamidele, there is now an unprecedented level of consensus among critical stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, federal lawmakers, security agencies and state legislatures, on the need to decentralise policing and strengthen internal security architecture.

The Senate Leader stated that the legislative week commencing on Tuesday would be dedicated largely to deliberations on the proposed amendment, describing the creation of State Police as a national necessity whose time has come.

Security Challenges Driving Reform

Nigeria has continued to grapple with multiple security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, farmer-herder conflicts and organised crime across various regions.

Security experts have long argued that the centrally controlled Nigeria Police Force is overstretched and lacks the local intelligence network required to effectively respond to emerging threats in communities nationwide.

The current constitutional arrangement, specifically Section 214(1) of the 1999 Constitution, provides for a single police force for the federation, making Nigeria one of the few federal systems in the world operating a strictly centralized policing structure.

Advocates of State Police believe that decentralised policing will improve intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response capabilities and allow states to tackle unique security challenges within their jurisdictions.

National Assembly Building Consensus

Bamidele revealed that extensive consultations had taken place between the National Assembly and key stakeholders to address concerns surrounding the proposed security reform.

According to him, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, have held a series of strategic meetings with relevant government institutions.

The consultations involved the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, the Nigeria Police Force leadership and other security stakeholders.

He said the engagements had helped resolve critical issues surrounding the proposed framework and created the momentum necessary for immediate legislative action.

Fast-Track Passage Planned

Bamidele explained that lawmakers have resolved to separate the State Police proposal from other constitutional amendment bills to prevent delays in its consideration.

Once passed by the National Assembly, the amendment will be transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly, where approval by at least 24 state legislatures will be required before it can be presented to President Tinubu for assent.

The Senate Leader expressed confidence that the proposal would receive broad support at the state level, noting that many governors and state lawmakers have consistently advocated for constitutional backing for state-controlled policing structures.

Presidency Signals Strong Support

The latest development comes days after the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, announced that consultations on the constitutional framework for State Police were nearing completion.

Gbajabiamila had disclosed that President Tinubu would soon receive a comprehensive report detailing the proposed structure, operational framework and legal safeguards for the establishment of State Police.

The Presidency’s endorsement is seen as a major boost for the reform, given concerns in the past over possible political abuse of state-controlled police forces by governors.

A Defining Moment for Nigeria’s Security Architecture

If successfully enacted, the State Police amendment could fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s security framework by creating a multi-layered policing system involving both federal and state law enforcement agencies.

Supporters argue that such a structure would strengthen community-based policing, improve intelligence gathering and reduce response times during security emergencies.

With bipartisan support emerging across political and regional lines, this week’s deliberations in the National Assembly are expected to mark a decisive step in Nigeria’s long-running debate over policing reforms and the decentralisation of internal security operations.

For many observers, the outcome could determine the future direction of Nigeria’s fight against insecurity and its broader quest for a more effective and responsive security system.