Retired General Dies in Bandits' Custody After Abduction

The Katsina State Government has confirmed that Rabe Abubakar, a retired major general and former director of defence information, has died.

Mr Rabe passed away in the hands of armed bandits nearly two weeks after they abducted him and his wife in Katsina State.

On Saturday, Nasiru Mu’azu, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, released a statement saying the retired army officer died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits’ captivity,” Mr Mu’azu said.

“The deceased retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension.”

The commissioner mentioned that both the state government and security agencies tried to secure Mr Abubakar’s release, but it was unsuccessful.

“Despite the relentless and concerted efforts of the State Government and various security agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy,” he added.

Mr Abubakar, from Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State, was the director of defence information between 2015 and 2017.

During that time, he played a key role in sharing information about the military’s fight against Boko Haram and other security issues.

Abduction

The retired general and his wife, Amina Abubakar, were reportedly taken by armed men on 30 May while driving along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area.

They were on their way to a wedding when gunmen attacked their vehicle near Zakin Baure village.

Their driver got shot but managed to escape from the scene.

After the abduction, videos shared by the kidnappers appeared on social media, showing Mr Abubakar and his wife asking President Bola Tinubu, Governor Dikko Radda, and others to help free them.

The kidnappers were said to have demanded the release of some detained associates and the return of confiscated livestock.

In one video, Mr Abubakar looked weak, and family members said he had serious health issues while in captivity.

Governor reacts

Governor Dikko Radda called the retired general’s death a “dark moment” for Katsina State and Nigeria.

He extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for his soul.

Mr Radda said the incident highlighted the urgent need for a united effort to tackle insecurity in communities across the state and the North-west region.

“The Katsina State Government remains committed to working with the Federal Government and security forces to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice,” the statement said.

The governor also assured everyone that his administration is determined to fight banditry and protect lives and property.

Renewed spotlight on insecurity

The retired general’s death has once again brought attention to the ongoing security crisis in Nigeria’s North-west.

Armed groups continue to commit kidnappings, attacks on communities, and other violent crimes, even with military operations going on.

Katsina is one of the states most affected by banditry, with many local government areas facing constant attacks, abductions, and displacement of residents.

Security experts have warned that the ongoing targeting of high-profile individuals shows the growing boldness of criminal groups in the region.

For many, the death of a retired military officer in captivity highlights the human cost of the security crisis and the challenges facing authorities in dealing with violent crime in the North-west.