KATSINA — The Katsina State Government has confirmed the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information (DDI), who had been held hostage by terrorists since late last month.
General Abubakar, a highly respected senior officer, was abducted alongside his wife on 30th May 2026 after being ambushed in the Matazu Local Government Area of the state.
In an official statement released on Saturday, the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Muazu, disclosed that the retired general died from severe medical complications, including diabetes and hypertension, which were worsened by the brutal conditions of his captivity.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits’ captivity,” the statement read.
“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 tragic news comes just days after a distressing viral video showed a frail General Abubakar and his wife pleading with the government to meet their captors’ demands for their release.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda extended his deepest condolences to the family and the nation, describing the incident as a dark moment for the state.
He vowed that his administration would continue working with federal security agencies to eradicate banditry and ensure those responsible face justice.
