The Katsina State Government has officially confirmed the tragic passing of Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who died while being held in bandits’ captivity.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, June 13, 2026, by the Honorable Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, the government expressed deep sadness over the tragic end to the high-profile abduction case. The statement disclosed that despite intensive, ongoing efforts by both the state administration and various security agencies to secure his safe release, the veteran officer ultimately passed away from natural causes.
According to official medical assessments cited in the release, General Abubakar succumbed to acute complications arising from pre-existing health conditions, specifically diabetes and hypertension, during his time in isolation.
Reacting to the heartbreaking news, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, extended his profound condolences to the deceased officer’s family and the nation at large. Governor Radda characterized the incident as a “dark moment” for Nigeria, emphasizing that the tragedy underscores the critical need for an intensified, unified front to completely eradicate the criminal networks threatening local communities.
The Katsina State Government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to collaborating closely with federal security forces to root out banditry, pledging that those behind the abduction will be tracked down and brought to face justice. Concurrently, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has heavily mourned the loss of their former spokesman, vowing to launch a relentless offensive against the terrorist groups responsible for the operation.
General Abubakar’s passing is widely regarded as a monumental loss to the Nigerian military establishment and the country’s defense community.
