Military Rescues Widow of Late General Rabe Abubakar from Bandits

Nigerian military personnel have successfully retrieved Hajiya Amina Abubakar from bandit captivity in Katsina State. Amina, the widow of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, was freed following sustained military operations in the region. The couple was initially taken by armed bandits on May 30 while travelling along the Marabar Musawa to Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area.

The recovery operation was conducted under the command of Major General Samaila Uba, with troops receiving aerial support from the Nigerian Air Force. Military authorities stated that the breakthrough came when ground forces made contact with the bandits at Tunga village during ongoing counteroffensive operations. Under intense pressure from advancing troops, the armed group abandoned their positions and fled the scene.

The abduction of the couple marked a significant incident involving a retired senior military officer and his family. Major General Abubakar's death occurred in the period following the kidnapping, according to military sources. His widow remained in captivity until the rescue operation was executed. Military officials subsequently paid a condolence visit to the family to express sympathy regarding the general's death.

The operation reflects the intensified search and rescue efforts being conducted by Nigerian troops across affected areas of Katsina State. Defence Headquarters confirmed the successful recovery through an official statement released following the conclusion of the operation. The military emphasized that the rescue resulted from intelligence-driven mission planning and coordinated pressure against criminal elements operating in the operational zone.