Major General Abubakar Dies in Bandit Captivity After Katsina Abduction

The Defence Headquarters has 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 on Saturday that the senior officer lost his life while in captivity.

According to the military statement, Abubakar was seized alongside his wife while traveling to a wedding in Katsina when gunmen attacked his vehicle and dragged them into the forest. The Defence Headquarters said it withheld public comment on the abduction at the time to avoid compromising ongoing rescue efforts, deploying all operational resources to secure his safe return.

In a troubling twist, the Katsina State Government claims the retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension while still in bandit hands. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has extended condolences. This incident has reignited deep concerns about insecurity across Nigeria, with school children and other citizens still held by terrorist networks.