DHQ Release Details Of How Widow Of Late Gen Abubakar Was Rescued

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the successful rescue of Mrs. Amina Abubakar, the wife of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was kidnapped by bandits alongside her husband several weeks ago in Katsina State.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed that the operation was carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army with critical support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

According to the DHQ, security forces launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission after receiving intelligence on the whereabouts of the abductors. During the operation, troops tracked the criminals to Tunga Village, where they engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Major General Uba said the bandits came under intense pressure from the advancing troops and were forced to abandon their captive while attempting to escape.

He, however, revealed that the criminals shot Mrs. Abubakar before fleeing the scene.

“The troops made contact with the bandits during the rescue mission, leading to a gun battle. Due to the overwhelming pressure mounted by the advancing forces, the bandits abandoned Mrs. Abubakar and fled. Before escaping, they shot her,” the statement indicated.

Despite sustaining injuries, Mrs. Abubakar was successfully recovered by the troops and immediately evacuated for medical attention.

Her rescue brings some relief to the family following the tragic death of her husband, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while in captivity after both were abducted along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State on May 30.

The late senior military officer, who once served as Director of Defence Information, was reportedly held alongside his wife in a bandits’ enclave before he died under circumstances that remain unclear. Following his death, the kidnappers released his remains to authorities while keeping his wife in captivity.

The Defence Headquarters commended the troops involved in the operation, describing the rescue as a testament to the military’s commitment to combating banditry and securing the lives of citizens across the country.

Security operations have intensified across the North-West in recent months as the military continues efforts to dismantle bandit networks responsible for kidnappings, killings, and attacks on communities.

Authorities have assured Nigerians that operations against criminal groups will continue until lasting peace and security are restored to affected areas.

Major General Rabe Abubakar was a respected retired officer of the Nigerian Army and a former Director of Defence Information. His death in captivity drew widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger action against banditry in northern Nigeria.