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The Nigerian military has successfully rescued the wife of late former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), from captivity days after the retired senior officer died while being held by bandits in Katsina State. Security sources confirmed that the rescue followed sustained intelligence-led operations by troops and other security agencies, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding the fate of the former defence spokesman’s family.
Major General Abubakar and his wife were abducted on May 30 along the Matazu axis of Katsina State while travelling for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. The couple was ambushed by heavily armed bandits who intercepted their vehicle and whisked them into a forest hideout. Their driver escaped despite sustaining gunshot injuries during the attack, while security agencies immediately launched rescue operations.
The rescue comes shortly after the Katsina State Government confirmed the death of the retired military officer in captivity. Authorities had stated that General Abubakar died while being held by his abductors despite ongoing efforts to secure his release. His death sparked national outrage and renewed concerns about the worsening security situation in parts of northwestern Nigeria. The former army spokesman’s family later disputed claims that he suffered from diabetes, questioning the circumstances surrounding his death.
Military officials described the successful rescue of his wife as a significant breakthrough in the operation against the kidnappers. Security forces are reportedly continuing efforts to track down the remaining members of the gang and dismantle the criminal network responsible for the abduction. The development has been welcomed by residents and security stakeholders, who view it as a rare positive outcome amid the persistent challenge of banditry and kidnapping across the region.
