Former Defence Headquarters spokesman, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), has died while being held by bandits following his abduction in Katsina State.
Abubakar was kidnapped alongside his wife, Hajiya Amina, and taken into captivity by armed assailants in the state’s troubled northwest region.
The Katsina State Government confirmed the retired general’s death on Saturday, describing it as a painful loss to his family, the state, and the nation.
According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, the former military officer died after battling health complications related to diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.
The late Abubakar, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s military establishment, served as Director of Defence Information and was widely known for his role as spokesman for the Defence Headquarters.
His death has reignited concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of northern Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom and bandit attacks continue to pose serious challenges despite ongoing security operations.
Authorities have not released further details on the circumstances of his death or the condition of his wife, who was abducted alongside him.