Troops Rescue General Rabe’s Wife Amina, Shot Before Freed

She survived. Despite everything they put her through, Hajiya Amina Abubakar is alive.

Nigerian troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, the widow of late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, from bandit captivity in Katsina State on June 15, 2026. The rescue came during sustained offensive operations under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III in Matazu Local Government Area. According to a statement by Defence spokesman Major General Samaila Uba, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village. The kidnappers shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing under the pressure of advancing troops. She was immediately evacuated to a medical facility and is currently responding to treatment.

How the Rescue Happened

The military had been mounting sustained pressure on bandit networks in Matazu since the launch of Operation CLEAN SWEEP III on June 14, following the death of General Rabe in captivity on June 13. Intelligence led operations located the bandits at Tunga Village where Mrs. Abubakar was being held.

Troops of the 17 Brigade, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, closed in on the position. As the bandits realised they could not escape with their hostage, they shot Mrs. Abubakar and fled. Troops reached her immediately, administered first aid, and began evacuating her to the medical facility in Dutsin-Ma. Katsina Governor Dikko Radda personally visited the rescued widow to express the state’s relief and gratitude.

The Pain Behind the Relief

The rescue is a moment of genuine relief. However, it comes against a backdrop of immense personal tragedy. Mrs. Abubakar watched her husband die in captivity. She was then shot by the very men who were supposed to be using her as leverage. The physical and psychological wounds from this ordeal will take far longer to heal than the news cycle.

Governor Radda thanked the military for their professionalism and speed. The Armed Forces of Nigeria confirmed they will continue operations to track down and neutralise those responsible for the abduction. Furthermore, the military pledged all necessary support to Mrs. Abubakar and her family during their period of recovery.

Operation CLEAN SWEEP III Continues

The rescue of Mrs. Abubakar is a significant outcome of CLEAN SWEEP III. However, the operation is not over. The specific individuals who abducted the Abubakars, killed the retired general, and shot his widow are still at large. The military says their pursuit will not stop.

For Nigeria, this story is a reminder that behind every security statistic is a human being. Mrs. Abubakar is one of them. She is alive. She is receiving care. And she deserves the full support of a nation that is watching closely.