Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), a former Director of Defence Information, has died while being held captive by bandits, two weeks after he was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State.
The retired army officer was kidnapped on the Matazu-Kafin Soli road while travelling to Katsina. His death was confirmed by the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs in a statement issued by the Commissioner, Nasir Danmusa.
According to the statement, despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, the former military officer died while in captivity. The ministry attributed his death to complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the death of General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of bandits. Despite relentless and concerted efforts by the state government and various security agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy,” the statement said.
The Katsina State Government described the death as a monumental loss to the family of the deceased, the state, and the nation, noting that the incident underscores the growing security challenges posed by banditry in the region.
Authorities also stressed that the tragic development highlights the urgent need for stronger collaboration in the fight against insecurity. The government assured residents that security agencies remain committed to tracking down those responsible and intensifying efforts to curb banditry across the state.
The late General Abubakar was widely respected for his service to the nation and his contributions to military communications and public information management during his career in the Nigerian Army.
