DHQ Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in Bandits' Captivity
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially confirmed the tragic passing of Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), who died while being held captive by bandits in Katsina State.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed that despite extensive and rigorous efforts by security agencies to secure his safe release, the rescue operations were ultimately unsuccessful.
Major General Uba extended the deepest condolences of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to the Abubakar family, his colleagues, and the nation at large, honoring the late officer's meritorious and distinctive service to the country.
Details of the Abduction
According to reports, Major General Abubakar and his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, were ambushed and abducted by suspected armed bandits on May 30, 2026. The incident occurred while they were traveling in a Peugeot 406 near Zakin Baure village in the Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. While the couple was taken, their driver managed to survive the assault after sustaining gunshot injuries.
The DHQ explained that it had previously withheld public commentary regarding the abduction to avoid compromising the ongoing, highly sensitive rescue operations that deployed every available operational resource.
Military Vows Retaliation
Reacting to the tragic loss, the military high command stated that Major General Abubakar's death has only strengthened the resolve of the Armed Forces to completely eradicate banditry and terrorism across Nigeria. The DHQ vowed that those responsible for his death and other security breaches across the country will be hunted down and held fully accountable.
The Full Statement from the Defence Headquarters:
“The Defence Headquarters regrets to announce the passing of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Retired), who tragically lost his life in captivity following his abduction.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) convey its deepest sympathies to the Abubakar family, his colleagues and all Nigerians. Maj Gen Abubakar served the nation with distinction and held many appointments including spokesperson of various military formations as well as spokesman for the AFN as Director Defence Information. He made immense contributions to counter-insurgency operations, professional development of the AFN and numerous other commendable and outstanding impacts. His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the AFN.
“The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the AFN and sister security agencies. Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return.
“This sad loss further strengthens the resolve of the AFN. We will remain resolute in the discharge of our constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria and to protect all citizens.
“In response to series of unfortunate abductions across Nigeria including that of Maj Gen Abubakar, ongoing operations have since been further intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening our nation.
“We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorists activities across the nation are held to account.”