Nigerian army troops of Operation FASSAN YANMA on Monday rescued Hajiya Amina Abubakar, widow of the late Major General Abubakar Rabe (retd.), following a deadly encounter with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to military sources, the operation, conducted under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, followed intelligence-led offensives launched in Matazu and adjoining communities after the abduction incident involving the retired senior officer and his family.
The troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga village during a search-and-rescue operation, 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.
Recall, Amina was abducted alongside her husband on May 30, 2026, when their vehicle was ambushed along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The couple were said to be travelling for a wedding when they ran into the ambush.
The abduction had sparked concern among residents and security stakeholders in Katsina State, especially after the couple were held by their captors for several days.
Two weeks after the incident, the death of the retired senior military officer was announced.
However, his captors refused to release his widow at the time, leaving her family and associates worried about her safety.