Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information and ex-Army spokesperson, has died while in bandits’ captivity in Katsina State. The Katsina State Government confirmed the death on Saturday, describing it as a tragic loss to the state and the nation.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, and made available to journalists. The government said the retired military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits’ captivity,” the statement read. “Despite the relentless and concerted efforts of the State Government and various Security Agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy. The deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension.”
The retired General and his wife were abducted in May while travelling through Katsina. Gunmen ambushed their vehicle along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area on May 30 and took the couple into a nearby forest. A video that surfaced online on June 6 showed Abubakar and his wife appealing to the Katsina government for the release of detained bandits and livestock in exchange for their freedom.
According to the statement, several efforts were made by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, but the attempts were unsuccessful. The Defence Headquarters said it deliberately withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts. “Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return,” the military said.
The Katsina government said the late Major General’s abduction and eventual death represent not only a painful loss to his immediate family and Katsina State but also a monumental loss to Nigeria, given his years of dedicated service. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the incident as a “dark moment” and a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by criminal elements.
“This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for a united and intensified effort in confronting the forces of insecurity threatening the peace and stability of our communities,” Governor Radda stated. He extended condolences to the bereaved family, friends and the entire nation.
Abubakar served as Director of Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters between 2015 and 2017 and was widely known for his role as a military spokesperson during critical security operations. The Defence Headquarters noted that throughout his career, he made significant contributions to Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaigns and played a key role in the professional development of military personnel.
The military added that in response to a series of unfortunate abductions across Nigeria, including that of Maj.-Gen. Abubakar, ongoing operations have since been further intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening the nation.
