Major General Rabe Abubakar Confirmed Dead in Bandit Captivity

The Nigerian military has officially confirmed the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by bandits in Katsina State last month. Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, announced this on Saturday, June 13, 2026, stating that the retired officer lost his life while in captivity.

According to the Defence Headquarters, they had withheld public comment on his abduction to avoid compromising rescue efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies. The statement read, 'The Defence Headquarters regret to announce the passing of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Retired), who tragically lost his life in captivity following his abduction.' They added that every operational resource was deployed hoping to secure his safe return.

Meanwhile, the Katsina State Government has offered a different account, claiming the retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension while in bandit hands. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda extended condolences, describing the loss as monumental to the entire country. Major General Rabe Abubakar served as Director of Defence Information between 2015 and 2017 and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1989.