Nigerian Army frees widow of former general after death in captivity

The Nigerian Armed Forces have announced that they have successfully rescued Amina Abubakar, the wife of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was held hostage by criminal gangs in Katsina state.

Rabe Abubakar was abducted along with his wife on 28 May, and on 6 June the army said his body had been found in captivity, the same day the state government confirmed that he had died of complications related to diabetes and hypertension.

During a brief but intense counter‑attack, troops reportedly fired on the kidnappers. Amina was shot by a sniper during the operation and is now receiving treatment at a military hospital.

Samaila Uba, the director of defense information, stated that “the operation was part of an intensified search‑and‑rescue mission” and that the army would continue to pursue the perpetrators.

President Bola Tinubu expressed shock at the death of the general and warned that armed criminal groups remain a serious threat, underscoring the need for stronger security measures in the region.

No single group claimed responsibility for the abduction; however, the “bandits” who operate in north‑west Nigeria are known for kidnapping residents for ransom, cattle theft and attacks on rural communities.

The incident comes amid increasing reports of militant activity in the area, with a 2023 U.S. air strike targeting a suspected jihadist camp in Sokoto state.