Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, has died while in the custody of bandits after being abducted in Katsina State alongside his wife. His death was confirmed by the Katsina State Government on Saturday, marking a tragic end to a two-week captivity ordeal.
Authorities disclosed that the retired senior military officer died as a result of complications linked to diabetes and hypertension while being held by his abductors.
Government Confirms Death, Calls It a National Loss
The Katsina State Government described the incident as a devastating loss despite ongoing efforts by security agencies and state authorities to secure his release.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, said the government had made sustained efforts to rescue the former military officer alive but was unable to prevent the tragic outcome.
He noted that the death represents a painful moment not only for the family but for the entire nation, given Abubakar’s years of service in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Governor Expresses Condolences Amid Security Concerns
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, described the incident as a “dark moment” and extended condolences to the bereaved family and Nigerians at large.
He said the tragedy underscores the urgent need for stronger collective action against armed groups responsible for kidnappings and violent attacks across communities.
Authorities assured that efforts to tackle insecurity in the state and across the country would be intensified following the incident.
Abduction and Demands by Captors
The retired general and his wife were reportedly abducted while travelling in the Matazu area of Katsina State to attend a wedding ceremony.
Shortly after their abduction, a video surfaced showing the couple in captivity, during which the abductors demanded the release of detained associates and livestock allegedly confiscated from them.
In the footage, Abubakar’s wife appealed to authorities and local leaders to intervene, while the retired general called for calm and urged dialogue to resolve the situation peacefully.
Worsening Security Concerns
The incident has further heightened concerns over insecurity in the North-West, where banditry and kidnapping for ransom continue to claim lives and destabilise communities.
Security analysts say the case adds to growing pressure on government authorities to strengthen intelligence-led operations and improve rapid response mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies.
