Nigerian Army Rescues Widow of Retired Major General from Bandit Captivity
The Nigerian armed forces confirmed that it has rescued Amina Abubakar, the widow of former Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar, after she was held captive by bandits in Katsina state for several weeks. The operation culminated in a sudden confrontation in which Amina was shot, according to a military statement, though medical staff are now treating her injuries in a military hospital.
Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar and his wife were abducted in late May while travelling between cities in the north‑western region. Lesser known than the seizure was the death of the general, in early June, which the army attributed to a pre‑existing health condition involving diabetes and high blood pressure.
In a statement released Monday, Defence Information Director Samaila Uba said the mission was part of “intensified search‑and‑rescue” efforts. He noted that sustained offensive operations put pressure on the criminal elements, allowing troops to locate and recover Mrs Abubakar. Uba pledged continued support to her family and promised the army would track down the kidnappers.
No specific group has claimed responsibility for the abductions. In north‑west Nigeria, organised gangs known locally as “bandits” routinely conduct kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling and attacks on rural communities. Militant jihadist groups are also active in the region, with the last precedent being a U.S. airstrike on an alleged militant camp in Sokoto state on 25 December of last year.
President Bola Tinubu said he was “shocked” by the general’s death, calling it a reminder of the threat posed by armed criminal groups. He welcomed the army’s efforts and called on the state government to ensure the safety of residents during the ongoing crisis.
An image taken at the Defence Headquarters in Lagos, depicting Nigerian Military officers surrounding Mrs Rabe Abubakar who was rescued after weeks in captivity.
