Isaac Samuel
The Katsina State Government has announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, while in the custody of bandits who abducted him in the state.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, the government described the development as a tragic loss to Katsina State and the nation.
According to the statement, the retired military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension despite 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,” the statement said.
The government noted that his death in captivity marked a painful end to efforts aimed at securing his freedom following his abduction by armed bandits.
Major General Abubakar, a former military spokesman and Director of Defence Information, was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, while travelling through Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Reports indicated that gunmen intercepted their vehicle and whisked the couple away, while their driver escaped with gunshot injuries.
His abduction sparked widespread concern within military and security circles, coming barely a year after the kidnapping of another retired senior military officer, former NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), in Katsina State.
Katsina remains one of the states most affected by banditry and kidnapping in the country.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as a dark moment and a stark reminder of the security challenges facing communities in parts of the country.
The governor said the state government remained committed to collaborating with the Federal Government and security agencies to bring those responsible for the abduction to justice and intensify efforts against banditry.
