Nigerian Military Details Rescue of Late Gen. Rabe Abubakar's Wife From Bandits' Den in Katsina

The Nigerian military has revealed how troops rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, from bandit captivity weeks after she and her husband were abducted in Katsina State.

According to a report by The Punch on Monday, June 15, 2026, the rescue operation was carried out by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force during sustained offensives against criminal elements operating in the region.

The Defence Headquarters announced the successful rescue in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba. He disclosed that troops tracked the kidnappers to Tunga Village, where they engaged the bandits during an advance operation that forced the criminals to retreat.

Uba explained that rather than surrender, the bandits shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing due to the intense pressure mounted by the advancing troops.

"During sustained offensive operations and pressure mounted on the criminal elements, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village, leading to the successful recovery of Mrs. Abubakar. In the course of the encounter, the bandits shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops," the statement said.

Following her rescue, Mrs. Abubakar was immediately evacuated to a military medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment. The military said she is responding positively to medical care.

The Armed Forces also pledged continued support for her family during this difficult period and vowed to intensify efforts to bring those responsible for the abduction and the death of her husband to justice.

"Troops will continue ongoing operations to track down and neutralise the perpetrators, while intensifying efforts to rid affected communities of terrorists not just in Katsina State but across the country," Uba added.

Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, died while in captivity after being abducted by bandits alongside his wife.