Major General Rabe Abubakar Dies In Bandits’ Custody

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…Senate Mourns Ex-Defence Spokesman

KATSINA / ABUJA – The Katsina State government has announced the death of re­tired Major General Rabe Abu­bakar in the custody of armed bandits despite efforts to secure his freedom.

The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Af­fairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, described the incident as a tragic loss to the state and the nation.

The statement said the re­tired military officer died from complications arising from di­abetes and hypertension while being held by his abductors.

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits’ captiv­ity. Despite the relentless and concerted efforts of the State Government and various secu­rity agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy,” the statement read.

It added: “The late General’s abduction and eventual death represent not only a devastat­ing loss to his family and Katsi­na State but also a monumental loss to the entire country.”

According to the statement, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has described the incident as “a dark moment” and a reminder of the urgent need for a united and intensified fight against criminal elements threatening the peace and security of com­munities.

The governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to collabo­rating with the federal govern­ment and security agencies to ensure those responsible for the crime are brought to justice.

“The Katsina State govern­ment remains committed to working with the federal gov­ernment and security forces to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice,” the governors assured.

“We assure the citizens of Katsina State that our resolve to eliminate banditry and en­sure the safety of all residents remains unshaken.

“The government offered prayers for the repose of the late retired Major General’s soul and expressed sympathy with his family during the difficult period.”

Meanwhile, the Senate Com­mittee on Army has expressed deep sorrow over the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, describing his passing as a painful loss to the nation and the military com­munity.

In a statement issued on Sat­urday, the Chairman of the Sen­ate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, said the committee received with sadness the news of the death of the retired senior military officer, who hailed from Batsari Local Government Area of Kat­sina State.

Major General Abubakar was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, along the Kat­sina–Matazu Road. His death has sparked renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of the country, particularly in areas affected by banditry and kid­nappings.

Senator Yar’Adua noted that throughout his distinguished military career and even after retirement, General Abubakar served Nigeria with honour and remained actively engaged in na­tional security discourse.