Nigerian Military Rescues General's Widow in Katsina Operation, Kidnappers Flee After Shooting
The Nigerian military announced the rescue of Amina Abubakar, the widow of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, following their abduction in Katsina State at the end of last month. Major General Abubakar died in captivity, reportedly due to health complications, before his wife's rescue.
During the operation, troops engaged the kidnappers, who shot Mrs Abubakar before fleeing. She is now undergoing treatment at a military hospital, according to an official statement.
Bilkisu, one of the couple's daughters, confirmed her mother's rescue via social media, expressing gratitude for her safe return and praying for her full recovery.
Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, stated that the rescue mission was the result of "intensified search-and-rescue efforts" and "sustained offensive operations and pressure mounted on the criminal elements." Uba affirmed the armed forces' commitment to Mrs Abubakar's recovery and ongoing efforts to apprehend the kidnappers.
Major General Abubakar's death, announced on Saturday, was attributed by officials to diabetes and high blood pressure. President Bola Tinubu described the general's death as a "shock" and highlighted the persistent threat from armed criminal groups in the region.
No organisation has claimed responsibility for the abduction. North-west Nigeria is frequently affected by criminal gangs, locally termed "bandits," who conduct kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, and attacks on rural communities. The region also sees activity from militant jihadist groups; for example, a US airstrike targeted an alleged militant camp in Sokoto state on 25 December last year. A video released on 6 June showed Major General Abubakar and his wife appealing to the Katsina government for the release of detained bandits and their livestock in exchange for their freedom.
