By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo & Kingsly Omonobi
•Tinubu vows: We won’t bow to abductors’ demand to free captured bandits
The current spike in kidnapping across the country took a frightening dimension as abducted former spokesman of the Nigerian Army, retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, died in the custody of bandits who abducted him in Katsina State.
Katsina State government confirmed the development in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Muazu.
He said the retired senior military officer died as a result of complications arising from diabetes and high blood pressure while being held captive by his abductors.
The statement reads: “Katsina State government, with a heavy heart and deep sense of loss, wishes to inform the general public of the tragic passing of Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar.
It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits’ captivity. 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.
The deceased died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension.
“’His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country.
The Executive Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, extends his deepest condolences to the family of the late General and the country at large. The governor has described this incident as a dark moment and a reminder of the urgent need for a collective and intensified front against the criminal elements threatening the peace of our communities.
Katsina State government remains committed to working with Federal Government and security forces to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice. We assure the citizens of Katsina State that our resolve to eliminate banditry and ensure the safety of all residents remains unshaken.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time.’’
General Rabe and his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, were abducted on May 30, 2026, while travelling along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Their vehicle was reportedly ambushed by armed bandits near Zakin Baure village, while their driver sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
Days after the abduction, the bandits released a four-minute video showing the retired army spokesman and his wife in captivity.
In the footage, Hajiya Amina appealed to the Katsina State government and local government authorities to accede to the demands of their captors.
She said: “We are begging all those concerned to help us heed these demands so we can be released. Two of the boys were captured in Jikamshi and the other one was arrested separately, so we are appealing to the government to please adhere to their demands, release them and release their cows.”
Hajiya Amina also disclosed that the abductors were demanding the release of three detained associates identified as Aminu, Sani and Nasiru, as well as the return of livestock allegedly seized from them.
The late general also spoke briefly in the video, calling for dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the situation while appealing for efforts to secure their freedom.
However, President Bola Tinubu has expressed shock over the death of retired General Rabe.
In a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President commiserated with Abubakar’s family, especially his wife.
He also extended his condolences to the Katsina State Government and the Armed Forces.
The statement reads: “While the terrorists have done their worst, the President wants them to know that the government will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies.
“As I said on June 12, bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian state. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. And no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.
“As Nigerians, we must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.”
Meanwhile, it was learnt that his wife had been released by her captors.’A source quoted by TheNiche said Mrs Abubakar was released alive to Katsina State government while her husband’s body was transported to Kaduna for burial.’ Just got information that the bandits have handed over the corpse of Major General Rabe Abubakar to Katsina State government alongside his wife (who’s alive) and the corpse is on the way to Kaduna for burial later today,” the source said.
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