Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar Reportedly Killed By Bandits Weeks After Katsina Abduction

Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, has reportedly been killed while in captivity after being abducted by suspected bandits in Katsina State.

The tragic development was confirmed on Saturday by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa.

According to the commissioner, security authorities received intelligence indicating that the retired military officer had been murdered by his captors.

“Security authorities had received information indicating that the retired military officer was killed by his abductors,” Danmusa said.

He, however, disclosed that security operatives have yet to recover the late general’s body, adding that efforts are ongoing to locate his remains.

Major General Abubakar and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, when armed men attacked them along the Matazu axis of Katsina State while they were travelling through the area.

The kidnapping sparked widespread concern across the country, particularly within military circles, given the retired officer’s distinguished service record and his former role as Director of Defence Information.

Days after the abduction, a video surfaced showing the retired general and his wife appealing to government authorities and community leaders to intervene in securing their freedom.

In the footage, the couple appeared to relay demands made by their captors, including calls for the release of certain detained individuals and the return of confiscated livestock.

At the time, no monetary ransom demand was publicly mentioned, and there was optimism among family members and government officials that the retired military officer would be rescued alive.

The reported killing has now added to growing concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of northern Nigeria, where bandit groups continue to target travellers, communities and prominent individuals.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian military regarding the development.

Security agencies are expected to intensify efforts to recover the general’s remains and track down those responsible for the abduction and alleged killing.

Further details are expected as investigations and security operations continue.