Dramatic Rescue: Military Frees General Rabe Abubakar's Widow From Kidnappers

Hajiya Amina Abubakar, the widow of the late Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd), former Director of Defence Information, has been successfully rescued by troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force. Her release marks a significant development following her abduction alongside her husband on May 30, 2026. The couple was ambushed along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State while en route to a wedding.

A week after their abduction, a four-minute, two-second video circulated on social media, showing the couple with their captors. In the video, Hajiya Amina Abubakar conveyed the abductors’ demands for the release of three of their members, identified as Sani, Aminu, and Nasiru. She detailed that two of these individuals were arrested in Jikamshi, and the third in Kano. She made a public appeal to the Katsina State Government and the leaders of five local government areas to facilitate compliance with these demands to secure their freedom.

Tragically, the death of Major General Abubakar Rabe was announced on a Saturday, while his widow remained in captivity. However, on Monday, military forces intensified their operations, leading to Mrs. Abubakar’s rescue. The rescue operation was carried out through intensified search-and-rescue efforts by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA, a major counter-banditry and counter-terrorism initiative in northwestern Nigeria. Military authorities reported that sustained pressure on the criminal elements culminated in contact with the bandits at Tunga Village.

During the confrontation at Tunga Village, the fleeing bandits reportedly shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her as advancing troops closed in on their position. She was immediately evacuated from the scene and transported to a military medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively to medical care. The Armed Forces of Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring her full recovery and are providing all necessary support to her and her family during this period of rehabilitation.

Prior to her rescue, a bandit kingpin named Kachalla Muhammad had reportedly stated last week that he did not release the widow as he had promised, citing a desire to prevent security agencies from taking credit. In an audio message, Kachalla explained that he suspended his initial plan to release her due to the heavy presence of security personnel in the area. He also expressed anger over the arrest of individuals he claimed were linked to his group, warning that these arrests had complicated efforts toward any possible dialogue for their release.

Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, announced the development on Monday, reiterating the Armed Forces' determination to sustain pressure on criminal groups until they are dismantled and communities are secured. The military has pledged to continue operations aimed at tracking down and neutralising those responsible for the abduction and will intensify ongoing security operations to eliminate terrorist and bandit networks operating in Katsina State and other affected parts of the country. This rescue is seen as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to combat insecurity and restore peace in northern Nigeria.