By our reporter 16.6.2026
Nigeria Army troops Monday night rescued the widow of late Major-General Abubakar Rabe in a special military operation that had the bandits who kidnapped her and her husband in Katsina State fleeing and abandoning their weapons.
According to a statement by Nigeria Army Director Defence Information, Maj Gen Samaila Uba, troops engaged the bandits at Tunga Village forcing them to abandon Mrs. Rabe.
“The rescue operation followed intensified search-and-rescue efforts conducted by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma. 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.
“Mrs Rabe was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital, where she is responding to treatment,” Uba stated.
Major-General Rabe was kidnapped and May 30 he died in custody on June 13. After his death the bandits still held onto his wife until the rescue by the Nigeria military.
One of the couple’s daughters, Bilkisu, confirmed the rescue on 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.”