Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former spokesperson of the Nigerian military, has reportedly died while in the custody of bandits who abducted him in Katsina State.
The development was confirmed by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, who disclosed that security agencies received intelligence suggesting that the retired military officer was killed by his abductors.
Although reports of his death have reached security authorities, officials have yet to recover his remains. Security operatives are continuing search efforts in a bid to locate the body and obtain further information about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Abubakar and his wife were kidnapped on May 30 while travelling through the Matazu area of Katsina State. The abduction attracted national attention because of his status as a retired senior military officer who once served as Director of Defence Information.
Following the kidnapping, security agencies launched efforts to secure the release of the retired general and his wife. The Katsina State Government had also expressed hope that he would be rescued alive as operations intensified across parts of the state where armed groups have remained active.
The latest report has, however, raised concerns about the fate of the former military officer. Authorities have not released details on the condition or whereabouts of his wife, while security personnel continue investigations into the case.
Katsina State has witnessed repeated incidents of bandit attacks and kidnappings in recent years, with armed groups targeting communities, travellers and prominent individuals across different parts of the state. Security agencies have continued operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and improving safety in affected areas.
Officials say efforts are still ongoing to verify all details surrounding the incident and recover the retired general’s remains. More information is expected as security operations continue and authorities gather additional facts about the reported killing.