Fresh details have emerged on the final moments of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), with accounts suggesting he died while in captivity alongside his wife after they were abducted by armed bandits in Katsina State.
According to emerging reports, the retired military officer was abducted with his wife on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area. He was later confirmed dead while still in captivity, while his wife has since regained freedom after sustaining a gunshot injury.
Contrary to earlier official explanations attributing his death to complications linked to diabetes and hypertension, a different account from his wife’s recovery period suggests he was healthy before the abduction and had no known history of such illnesses.
The widow reportedly recalled that her husband’s condition worsened in captivity after he developed a swollen leg. It was further alleged that the kidnappers claimed he may have been bitten by a snake and attempted to treat him using traditional remedies, including the application of crushed leaves, but his condition continued to deteriorate.
He was said to have died in his wife’s arms after his health rapidly declined, despite efforts by the abductors to manage his condition.
At one point during the captivity, the abductors allegedly considered releasing his wife, but she reportedly refused to leave without him.
Security authorities have also stated that efforts were made to rescue the retired general, while maintaining silence at the time to avoid compromising the operation.
Investigations are reportedly ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping and whether the armed group may have been alerted ahead of the attempted rescue operation.
