Hajiya Amina Abubakar, widow of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, has regained her freedom after spending weeks in captivity following a deadly abduction incident in Katsina State.
Authorities confirmed that she was successfully rescued and taken to a safe location. She is currently receiving medical treatment as healthcare professionals work to stabilize her condition.
The circumstances surrounding her release remain unclear, with security agencies yet to provide a full account of the operation.
Hajiya Amina and her husband were abducted on May 30, 2026, when armed bandits ambushed their vehicle along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area while they were travelling to attend a wedding ceremony.
Days after the abduction, a video surfaced online showing the couple in captivity. In the footage, the kidnappers reportedly outlined conditions they claimed must be met before the victims could be released.
During the video, Hajiya Amina appealed to government authorities and community leaders, relaying the abductors’ demand for the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru. According to her, two of the individuals were arrested in Jikamshi, while another was detained in Kano.
She also called on officials and traditional leaders within affected local government areas to intervene and help secure their freedom.
Tragedy struck over the weekend when news emerged that her husband had died while still in captivity. Despite reports suggesting that the widow might be released, the kidnappers continued to hold her.
However, on Monday, security forces reportedly tracked the bandits to their hideout and engaged them in a gun battle, leading to her eventual rescue.
Security sources have yet to release detailed information about the circumstances surrounding the operation.
Before her rescue, a notorious bandit leader had reportedly claimed that plans to free the widow were suspended due to the increased presence of security personnel in the area. He also expressed dissatisfaction over the arrest of individuals he alleged were connected to his group, saying the development complicated any possibility of negotiations.
The rescue of Hajiya Amina brings relief to her family and supporters, while highlighting the continued security challenges facing communities affected by kidnapping and banditry across northern Nigeria.
