Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, the widow of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by bandits shortly before the retired senior military officer died in captivity.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the rescue followed intensified search-and-rescue operations by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA.
He said sustained offensive actions and increased pressure on the criminal elements led troops to Tunga Village, where they made contact with the bandits and successfully rescued Mrs. Abubakar.
Major General Uba stated that during the encounter, the bandits shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing in the face of the advancing troops.
According to the statement, Mrs. Abubakar was immediately evacuated to a military hospital, where she is receiving treatment and responding positively.
It added that the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to ensuring her full recovery and is providing all necessary support to her family during this difficult time.
The military also reaffirmed its determination to track down and neutralise those responsible, while intensifying ongoing operations to rid affected communities of terrorists, not only in Katsina State but across the country.
Following Major General Abubakar’s death, the Defense Headquarters’ Joint Task Force North West, under Operation Fansan Yamma, launched a major offensive operation, codenamed Operation Clean Sweep III, targeting terrorists and bandits operating in Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities in Katsina State.
According to the military, the operation commenced on 14 June 2026 to locate and neutralise those responsible for the attack, dismantling criminal networks, and restoring security across the affected communities.
