Retired General Rabe Abubakar dies in bandits' captivity in Katsina

Major General Rabe Abubakar, the former military spokesman who served between 2015 and 2017, has died while being held by kidnappers in Katsina state. He was abducted alongside his wife on 30 May while travelling to a wedding. The military confirmed his death today, describing the loss as tragic.

In a statement, the Armed Forces said they withheld public comment on the abduction while rescue efforts were ongoing. They said, "In deference to ongoing rescue efforts by security agencies, the Armed Forces withheld public comment while every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return." A video had earlier surfaced on social media showing the 61-year-old general with an injury to his left leg, alongside his wife and other hostages.

The whereabouts and condition of his wife remain unknown. The military has intensified operations to bring the perpetrators to justice. This is yet another painful reminder that no one is safe from the banditry crisis ravaging the north-west.