Troops Rescue Wife of Gen Rabe in Katsina

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued the widow of the late former Director of Defence Information (DDI), retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, following an encounter with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The rescue came barely three days after the tragic death of her husband and after she had spent over two weeks in captivity.

Major General Abubakar (rtd) and his wife, Amina, were abducted on 30 May 2026 by armed bandits while travelling along the Matazu axis of the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

After being held in captivity for about two weeks, the retired senior officer reportedly died on 13 June 2026 from complications linked to diabetes and hypertension.

According to a military source identified as Zagazola, the rescue operation, conducted under Operation Clean Sweep III, followed sustained intelligence-led offensives in Matazu and adjoining communities after the initial abduction incident.

He explained that troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga village during a search-and-rescue mission, forcing the armed group to flee after coming under heavy military pressure.

“The bandits shot her and fled when we made contact at Tunga village. We have rescued Mrs. Abubakar. She is bleeding; we have given her first aid and are moving her for urgent medical attention,” a military source said.

He further confirmed that the victim was stabilised by troops on the ground before being evacuated to a medical facility for further treatment.

The source added that follow-up operations have been intensified in the area, with troops continuing a coordinated pursuit of fleeing bandits and suspected kingpins believed to be responsible for the attack and earlier abduction.

He also noted that the ongoing clearance operation under Operation Clean Sweep III would continue until all identified criminal hideouts are dismantled.

Security sources reaffirmed that the military remains committed to tracking down those responsible and ensuring they are brought to justice.

However, military authorities are yet to officially confirm the rescue of the late General Abubakar’s wife, even as search and rescue operations in Katsina are said to have been intensified.