In brief
The Nigerian military successfully rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, the wife of a retired major general, after she was held captive by bandits for weeks. Her husband, Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar, was killed in custody, apparently from health complications, and his remains were buried the same day. During the rescue operation, a soldier shot and wounded Mrs. Abubakar, who is now receiving treatment in a military hospital. The operation was praised by President Bola Tinubu and the army’s defence director, who vowed continued pressure on the bandits and better protection for civilians in the north‑west. The incident highlights the persistent threat from illegally organised groups in the region, which also include militant networks targeted by international forces.
On a tense Thursday morning, the Nigerian Army announced the successful rescue of Mrs. Amina Abubakar, the wife of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, after she had been held captive by bandits in Katsina for nearly a month.
Abubakar and his wife were seized by armed men at the end of the previous month, and the two were taken to an undisclosed location. The General died in custody on June 6, with authorities citing diabetes and high blood pressure as the cause of death. His body was buried that same day as the military confirmed his passing.
During the rescue operation, a Nigerian soldier fired at the kidnappers but inadvertently wounded Mrs. Abubakar. She is presently being treated in a military hospital, as the army’s defence information director, Samaila Uba, described the mission as part of “intensified search‑and‑rescue efforts.”
"During sustained offensive operations and pressure mounted on the criminal elements, troops made contact with the bandits…leading to the successful recovery of Mrs Abubakar," said Uba. He added that the armed forces will continue operations in the region and pursue the kidnappers.
President Bola Tinubu expressed shock at the general’s death, warning that the incident demonstrates the dangers posed by armed criminal groups in Nigeria. The north‑west of the country has long been plagued by bandit gangs that conduct kidnappings, cattle rustling and attacks on rural communities, and also face threats from militant jihadist cells. An alleged militant camp in Sokoto was recently targeted by a US airstrike, underscoring the dual threat faced by the Nigerian security forces.
A daughter of the couple, Bilkisu, confirmed the rescue via WhatsApp, posting: "We are deeply grateful to Allah for His mercy and protection. Our mummy has been rescued from the hands of evil by the Nigerian Army. We pray that Allah grants her good health, complete recovery, peace of mind, and strength after everything she has been through."
The incident restates the urgent need for robust security measures to protect civilians from both criminal and terrorist threats; meanwhile, the Nigerian Army vows to continue its operations to safeguard the region.