ABUJA, NIGERIA — Joint military forces have successfully rescued Mrs Amina Abubakar, the widow of the late former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (Rtd), following a high-stakes encounter with bandits in Katsina State.
The breakthrough comes just days after the tragic announcement that her husband had died while being held in the same camp.
The Rescue Operation at Tunga Village
According to a statement released on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the operation was executed by ground troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA with critical air support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The rescue followed weeks of intensified intelligence-led search-and-rescue efforts across the Northwest region. Military sources confirmed that troops caught up with the criminal elements at Tunga Village, sparking a heavy gun battle.
”During sustained offensive operations and mounting pressure on the criminal elements, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village, leading to the successful recovery of Mrs Abubakar,” Major General Uba stated.
Realizing they were outgunned by the advancing military forces, the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing deeper into the forest.
Current Medical Status
The military high command confirmed that Mrs Abubakar was immediately evacuated from the battleground to a secure military medical facility.
She is currently receiving emergency treatment for the gunshot wounds sustained during the crossfire. Defence Headquarters reported that she is stable and responding positively to medical attention.
The leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to providing comprehensive care for her full recovery and extended ongoing support to the grieving Abubakar family.
Background to the Abduction
The late Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife were abducted by bandits on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in the Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
On June 6, the kidnappers released a four-minute proof-of-life video showing the couple appealing to the Katsina State Government to meet the bandits’ demands, which included the release of three detained terror suspects and the return of seized livestock.
However, the Katsina State Government confirmed on June 13, 2026, that Major General Abubakar had passed away in captivity, reportedly due to medical complications arising from diabetes and hypertension. His remains were subsequently recovered by an emergency team near the Karaduwa community under heavy military escort.
Military Vows Sustained Offensive
The Defence Headquarters has vowed that the rescue of Mrs Abubakar will not mark the end of the operation. Major General Uba emphasized that aggressive clearing operations are still underway to track down the fleeing perpetrators.
”Troops will sustain ongoing operations to track down and neutralize the perpetrators while intensifying efforts to rid affected communities of terrorists, not just in Katsina but across the entire nation,” the statement concluded.
For a deeper look into the events preceding this rescue, you can watch this report on the Defence Headquarters mourning the death of Retired General Rabe Abubakar, which details the late military spokesman’s time in captivity and the initial demands made by his abductors.
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