Troops rescue Late General Rabe’s widow in Katsina after bandits shoot her and flee

Hajiya Amina Abubakar, the widow of the late retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, has been rescued by Nigerian troops after weeks in captivity, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced. 

Mrs. Abubakar was abducted alongside her late husband on May 30, 2026, when bandits ambushed their vehicle along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in the Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. The couple was traveling to attend a wedding when the attack occurred. On Saturday, June 13, authorities confirmed the tragic death of Major General Rabe, while his wife remained held by the kidnappers. 

In an official statement, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, revealed that the rescue was the result of intensified search-and-rescue operations executed by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA.

According to the DHQ, troops intercepted the bandits at Tunga Village during a sustained offensive. Overwhelmed by the advancing military forces, the criminals shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing the scene. 

“Mrs. Abubakar was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital, where she is responding to treatment,” the statement read.

Major General Uba emphasized that the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria is fully committed to her recovery and is providing comprehensive support to the family. He added that military operations are being intensified to track down the perpetrators and rid Katsina State, and the nation at large, of terrorist elements.