By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Katsina State Government and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) have expressed deep sorrow over the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in bandits’ captivity, describing the incident as a national tragedy and a painful reminder of the security challenges confronting the country.
The former Director of Defence Information was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, while travelling to Katsina State. The couple was reportedly ambushed by armed bandits along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road near Zakin Baure village in Matazu Local Government Area.
Their driver reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds while the retired General and his wife were taken away by the attackers.
Confirming the development, the Katsina State Government said the retired senior military officer died while in captivity despite sustained efforts by security agencies and government authorities to secure his freedom. According to the state government, he succumbed to complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while being held by his abductors.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the incident as a dark moment for Katsina State and Nigeria, extending heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and all Nigerians mourning his passing.
The governor noted that the death of the retired General represented not only a personal loss to his family but also a monumental national loss, given his years of dedicated service to the Armed Forces and his contributions to the security and unity of the country.
Similarly, the Defence Headquarters, in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, expressed profound sadness over the loss of the retired officer, describing him as a distinguished soldier whose legacy of patriotism, professionalism and commitment to national service would continue to inspire serving personnel.
The military noted that Major General Abubakar served in several strategic appointments during his career, including as spokesman for various military formations and later as Director of Defence Information, where he became the public face of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The DHQ said he made immense contributions to counter-insurgency operations and the professional development of the military.
According to the statement, the Armed Forces deliberately refrained from making public comments following his abduction so as not to compromise ongoing rescue efforts. It disclosed that every available operational resource was deployed by the military and other security agencies in the hope of securing his safe return.
Both the Katsina State Government and the Defence Headquarters pledged that the tragic loss would not weaken ongoing efforts against criminal elements but would instead strengthen the resolve of authorities to confront banditry, terrorism and kidnapping across the country.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed that military operations have already been intensified in response to the increasing wave of abductions and terrorist activities, including the kidnapping of the retired General. It vowed to bring all perpetrators to justice and dismantle criminal networks threatening national peace and security.
Governor Radda also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to eliminate banditry and restore peace to affected communities across Katsina State. He assured residents that efforts to protect lives and property would continue with renewed vigour.
