By Our Reporter
Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information and respected senior officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces, has died while in the custody of bandits who abducted him in Katsina State.
The Katsina State Government announced the tragic development in a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, describing the incident as a monumental loss to the state and the nation.
According to the government, the retired military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity, despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his release.
“The deceased retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension. His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country,” the statement said.
The state government expressed profound sadness over the development, noting that the late officer’s death underscored the growing security challenges confronting the country.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda extended condolences to the family of the deceased and Nigerians at large, describing the incident as a dark moment and a reminder of the urgent need for a united front against criminal elements terrorising communities.
The governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abduction and death of the retired general are brought to justice.
He also assured residents that efforts to eliminate banditry and restore peace across Katsina State would continue unabated.
Major General Abubakar was reportedly abducted alongside his wife in May while travelling through Katsina State.
A video that surfaced on June 6 showed the retired officer and his wife appealing to the Katsina State Government to facilitate the release of detained bandits and seized livestock as part of efforts to secure their freedom.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the retired senior officer, describing it as a tragic loss to the Armed Forces and the nation.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the military high command said the late officer served Nigeria with distinction in several strategic capacities throughout his military career.
“The Defence Headquarters regrets to announce the passing of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Retired), who tragically lost his life in captivity following his abduction,” the statement read.
The military noted that Abubakar made significant contributions to military professionalism, counter-insurgency operations and national development, adding that his dedication to duty and national unity remained exemplary.
According to the Defence Headquarters, public comments on the abduction were deliberately withheld while rescue operations were ongoing.
“The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria and sister security agencies. Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return,” the statement said.
The military further disclosed that the incident had reinforced its determination to intensify ongoing operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups across the country.
“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 our nation,” Uba stated.
The Armed Forces assured Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security nationwide, pledging not to relent until criminal elements are decisively defeated.
The late Major General Abubakar was widely respected within military circles for his professionalism and service to the nation, particularly during his tenure as Director of Defence Information, where he served as a key spokesman for the Nigerian military.
