BREAKING: Nigerian Army Rescues Widow of Late Major General Rabe Abubakar From Bandits’ Hideout

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade, operating under the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YANMA, have successfully rescued Hajiya Amina Abubakar, the wife of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, weeks after she was abducted by bandits in Katsina State.

Hajiya Amina was kidnapped alongside her husband on May 30 while the couple was travelling along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The abduction drew widespread concern across the country due to Major General Abubakar’s distinguished military career and contributions to national security. The retired senior officer previously served as Director of Defence Information and was widely respected within military and security circles.

Tragically, while both victims were being held by their captors in a bandit camp, Major General Abubakar reportedly died in captivity under circumstances that have not been fully disclosed.

Following his death, the kidnappers released his remains to the authorities, allowing his family and the military community to begin mourning the former Defence spokesman. However, his wife remained in the custody of the armed group, raising fears about her safety and wellbeing.

Military sources disclosed that troops intensified intelligence-driven operations across identified bandit enclaves in the North-West following reports about her continued captivity. The sustained pressure on criminal elements eventually led to her rescue during a security operation conducted by personnel of the 17 Brigade under Operation FANSAN YANMA.

The successful rescue has been welcomed as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping across Katsina State and other parts of the North-West region.

Although details surrounding the operation have not been fully released, security sources indicated that Hajiya Amina has been reunited with relevant authorities and is expected to receive medical attention and psychological support after her ordeal.

The incident highlights the persistent security challenges facing communities in parts of northern Nigeria, where armed groups continue to target travellers, residents, and prominent individuals for kidnapping and ransom.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to sustaining military operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and securing major roads and communities across the region.

Major General Rabe Abubakar was a former Director of Defence Information and a respected retired officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces. His death in captivity sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger measures against banditry in the North-West.