Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar Dies in Bandits’ Captivity

Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, has died while in bandits’ captivity in Katsina State, according to reports from Daily Trust and Daily Post.

Abubakar was abducted alongside his wife around the Matazu axis of Katsina State on May 30 while they were travelling for a wedding. His abduction had drawn public concern after the kidnappers released a video in which the couple relayed demands from their captors.

NaijaTrend earlier reported the kidnappers’ prisoner-swap demand and video appeal here.

Daily Trust reported that Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, said the retired general died while in captivity from complications linked to diabetes and hypertension. The commissioner said the state government and security agencies had made efforts to secure his release before the situation ended in tragedy.

Daily Post also reported that security authorities received information on Abubakar’s death, adding that efforts were still ongoing to locate and recover his remains. The report said the retired officer’s wife was abducted with him during the May 30 incident.

The death adds another grim turn to the wave of kidnappings across parts of the North-West, where criminal gangs have repeatedly targeted travellers, rural communities and high-profile individuals. It also raises fresh questions about the safety of abductees held for long periods in remote camps.

Security agencies are expected to continue operations around the area as the Katsina authorities work to confirm further details and account for those still affected by the incident.

Sources: Daily Trust, Daily Post