The Nigerian military has successfully rescued the wife of late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, weeks after the couple was abducted by armed bandits in Katsina State.

Mrs. Amina Abubakar was freed during a military operation carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade, who tracked down the kidnappers’ hideout near Tunga Village. Military authorities confirmed that she was rescued alive and is currently receiving medical attention and support.

The rescue comes amid national mourning over the death of her husband, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while in captivity. The former military spokesman and senior army officer was kidnapped alongside his wife while travelling through Katsina State in May.

According to authorities, the kidnappers had earlier released a video showing the couple in captivity, sparking widespread concern and calls for urgent action. Despite efforts to secure their release, Major General Abubakar reportedly died while being held by the bandits.

Following news of his death, security forces intensified search operations across the region, leading to the successful rescue of Mrs. Abubakar.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the persistent threat posed by kidnapping and banditry in parts of northern Nigeria. Security experts and civil society groups have urged authorities to strengthen efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for the growing wave of abductions.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier expressed sadness over the death of the retired general and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating insecurity across the country.

The rescue of Mrs. Abubakar has been welcomed by many Nigerians as a rare positive outcome in a case that ended in tragedy for one of the country’s most respected retired military officers.