Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who served as Director of Defence Information between 2015 and 2017, has been confirmed dead while in the custody of armed bandits in Katsina State.

The former military spokesperson and his wife were seized on May 30, 2026 while travelling along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area. Their driver was shot during the ambush but managed to escape, while the couple was taken into a nearby forest by the attackers.

Katsina State Government confirmed the retired general’s death on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, said Abubakar died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension while in captivity. He stated that despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, the situation ended in tragedy. Defence Headquarters also announced his passing, describing it as a tragic loss to the Armed Forces.

Before his death, a video recorded on June 6 showed the General and his wife appealing to the Katsina State Government and community leaders to meet the abductors’ demands. The kidnappers had requested the release of three detained members and the return of livestock allegedly seized during security operations as conditions for freeing the couple. Bandit leader Kachallah Muhammad was reported to have opened communication with the family and pushed for a prisoner swap instead of ransom.

The wife, identified as Amina Abdullahi, remains in captivity. Her current condition and whereabouts have not been disclosed by authorities as rescue operations continue.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the incident as a “dark moment” for Katsina State and extended condolences to the bereaved family. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working with federal security forces to bring those responsible to justice and to eliminate banditry across the state. No official burial details have been released by the family or government as of press time.

Abubakar, who hailed from Batsari LGA, played a prominent role in military communications during counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram. The Defence Headquarters said his commitment to duty and national unity would remain an example for personnel.

Sources: Punch Newspapers, Premium Times, TheCable, Defence Headquarters