Troops Rescue Widow of Late General After Captivity Ordeal

The Nigerian military has rescued the wife of retired Brigadier-General Rabe Abubakar, days after the former army officer died while being held by bandits in captivity.

The rescue was carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army working alongside personnel of the Nigerian Air Force during ongoing operations against criminal groups in the North-West.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the operation was part of intensified search-and-rescue efforts conducted under Operation FASAN YAMMA.

According to the statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, troops established contact with the kidnappers at Tunga Village following sustained military pressure on the criminal network.

The military said the operation led to the successful recovery of Mrs. Abubakar, who was immediately evacuated for medical care.

“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,” the statement said.

It added that she is currently receiving treatment at a military hospital and is responding positively.

The Defence Headquarters noted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue to provide the necessary support to her family while ensuring her full recovery.

Military authorities also vowed to sustain ongoing operations aimed at tracking down and neutralising those responsible for the abduction.

The late Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife were kidnapped in May while travelling through Katsina State.

The incident attracted national attention after a video emerged on June 6 showing the retired general and his wife pleading with the Katsina State Government to release detained bandits and seized livestock in exchange for their freedom.

On Saturday, the Katsina State Government confirmed that the retired officer had died while in captivity.

He was buried the same day at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery in Katsina, in accordance with Islamic rites.