Hajiya Amina Abubakar, widow of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd), has regained her freedom following a military rescue operation in Katsina State.
The widow was abducted alongside her husband on May 30, 2026, when armed bandits ambushed their vehicle along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area. The couple was en route to a wedding.
Major General Rabe, a former Director of Defence Information and military spokesman, died in captivity around June 13. Official accounts attributed his death to complications from diabetes and hypertension.
His family disputed this, with his son claiming no history of such conditions and alleging a snake bite as the cause. The controversy fueled public outrage over security failures.
Bandit leader Kachalla Muhammad had demanded the release of detained associates and return of livestock. In an audio message, he admitted delaying the widow's release to deny security agencies credit amid operations.
Troops from Operation Clean Sweep III engaged the bandits at Tunga Village on Monday. The kidnappers shot Hajiya Amina before fleeing. She sustained a gunshot wound but received first aid and was evacuated for treatment.
The rescue highlights intensified military efforts in the Northwest. Reactions on X expressed relief mixed with calls for stronger action against banditry. Many mourned the general's death while welcoming the widow's safe return.
Hajiya Amina's condition is stable under medical care.
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