Troops Rescue Late General Rabe Abubakar’s Widow From Bandits

In a major breakthrough, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade have rescued Mrs. Abubakar, the widow of late Major General Rabe Abubakar, days after the retired senior military officer died while in bandits captivity.

Military sources said the rescue operation was carried out in Tunga Village, where troops acting on intelligence made contact with the armed bandits holding her captive.

During the operation, the kidnappers reportedly opened fire and shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing the area under pressure from the advancing troops.

The soldiers immediately secured the location, evacuated the victim and administered emergency first aid before transferring her for further medical treatment.

According to military sources, Mrs. Abubakar sustained gunshot injuries and was bleeding at the time of her rescue. She is currently receiving medical attention, while security operatives continue efforts to track down the fleeing bandits.

The development comes barely days after the burial of Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.) whose death in captivity generated widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger action against banditry and kidnapping across northern Nigeria.

The late senior military officer was abducted alongside his wife on May 30 while travelling along the Katsina-Matazu road. Authorities later announced that he died in captivity, with officials citing complications arising from underlying health conditions.

His death drew reactions from President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, military veterans and civil society groups, many of whom described the incident as a painful reminder of the security challenges facing the country.

The rescue of Mrs. Abubakar is expected to provide some relief to the bereaved family, even as security forces intensify operations against bandit groups operating in parts of Katsina State and the wider North-West region.

Military authorities are yet to issue a formal statement on the operation.