Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar dies in bandit captivity

Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari (rtd), the former Director of Defence Information who served as the public face of the Nigerian military under President Muhammadu Buhari, has tragically died in bandit captivity in Katsina State. He was abducted along with his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, in May 2026 along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area.

Reports indicate that a bandit leader named Kachallah Muhammad contacted the family demanding the release of detained relatives in exchange for the General. Despite rescue efforts confirmed by the Katsina State Government, Abubakar did not survive. His driver escaped with gunshot wounds but the General and his wife were held. This is a stark reminder of the security crisis in the North-West and the vulnerability of even the most decorated citizens.

The General was 61 years old and had retired from active service but remained a respected voice on security matters. His death raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current counter-banditry operations.