Retired Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar, a former Nigerian military spokesman who was kidnapped by armed bandits in Katsina state last month, has died while being held captive, the military has confirmed.
Abubakar, reported to be 61 years old, was abducted alongside his wife and driver on May 30 while travelling to a wedding when gunmen intercepted their vehicle in Matazu Local Government Area. The Katsina State Government said he died from complications linked to diabetes and hypertension. No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.
Days before news of his death emerged, a video circulating on social media appeared to show Abubakar in captivity with an apparent injury to his left leg, alongside his wife and other hostages. The whereabouts and condition of his wife remain unknown.
The military said it had deliberately withheld public comment on the abduction while rescue efforts were ongoing. “In deference to ongoing rescue efforts by security agencies, the Armed Forces withheld public comment while every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return,” a military statement said. A spokesman added that operations have since been further intensified to bring the perpetrators to justice and dismantle terrorist networks operating in the region.
The military paid tribute to Abubakar, who served as military spokesman between 2015 and 2017, describing the loss as “tragic” and offering condolences to his family and former colleagues. A statement praised his “immense contributions to counter-insurgency operations,” adding that “his commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel.”
Katsina Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the death as a “monumental loss” not only to Abubakar’s family but to the country at large, calling it a “dark moment” that underscored the urgent need for a collective and intensified front against criminal elements in the region. “His abduction and subsequent death remind us that we must remain united in the fight against banditry,” the governor said.
State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu said that despite “relentless and concerted efforts” by the state government and security agencies to secure Abubakar’s release, the situation ended in tragedy. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with federal authorities and security forces to track down those responsible. “We assure the citizens of Katsina State that our resolve to eliminate banditry and ensure the safety of all residents remains unshaken,” he said.
The government did not disclose whether ransom negotiations had taken place or whether any arrests have been made in connection with the abduction. Funeral arrangements for Abubakar have not yet been announced.
His death marks one of the most prominent cases of banditry-related kidnapping in Katsina state’s recent history and once again highlights the severe and persistent security crisis gripping north-west Nigeria. Criminal gangs known locally as bandits have for years carried out kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, and attacks on rural communities across the region. Militant jihadists have also operated in the area, with an alleged militant camp in neighbouring Sokoto state targeted in a U.S. airstrike on December 25 last year.
