Widow of late Major General Rabe Abubakar still in captivity

Fresh details have emerged indicating that Hajiya Amina Abubakar, the widow of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, remains in captivity following the deadly ambush along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The widow was reportedly abducted alongside her husband on May 30, 2026, when their vehicle was intercepted by armed men. While the retired General was later confirmed dead in captivity, security sources say efforts are still ongoing to secure the release of his wife.

According to accounts from earlier incidents, the abductors had appeared in a four-minute video showing the couple standing and speaking under duress, relaying demands linked to the release of detained persons and seized livestock.

In the video, Hajiya Amina was heard appealing to authorities, conveying the demands of the captors, which included the release of three individuals allegedly in custody in different parts of the country.

She had urged the Katsina State Government and leaders of affected local government areas to intervene urgently to secure their freedom.

The situation took a tragic turn when the Katsina State Government later announced that the retired General had died in captivity from complications related to diabetes and hypertension.

“The Katsina State Government, with a heavy heart and deep sense of loss, wishes to inform the general public of the tragic passing of Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar,” the official statement had said.

Security sources, however, confirmed that efforts are still underway to rescue the widow, though they declined to provide operational details or timelines due to the sensitivity of the situation.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that a bandit kingpin identified as Kachalla Muhammad had previously claimed responsibility for holding the widow, stating in an audio message that planned negotiations were suspended due to increased security operations in the area.

He reportedly said he had intended to release her but changed plans following what he described as heavy deployment of security personnel, while also demanding the release of certain individuals and return of seized livestock as conditions for peace.

The development highlights the continuing complexities surrounding negotiations and rescue operations in kidnapping cases across parts of northern Nigeria, where security forces and armed groups remain locked in a prolonged confrontation.

Authorities have not issued further updates on the widow’s condition as of the time of filing this report.

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