Nigeria’s worsening security crisis claimed another devastating victim on Saturday as retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information and one of the country’s most respected military officers, died while being held captive by armed terrorists in Katsina State.
The tragic development was confirmed by the Katsina State Government, bringing a sorrowful end to weeks of uncertainty following the abduction of the retired general and his wife along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of the state.
Abubakar, a former spokesman of the Nigerian Armed Forces who dedicated decades of service to the defence of the nation, was reportedly travelling to attend a family event when heavily armed assailants intercepted his vehicle and whisked him and his wife away into the forests. His driver escaped the attack despite sustaining gunshot wounds.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, the Katsina State Government expressed profound grief over the retired general’s death, describing it as a painful loss not only to his family but also to Katsina State and the entire nation. According to the government, Abubakar died while in captivity despite sustained efforts by security agencies and authorities to secure his release. Officials stated that his death was linked to complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while under captivity.
The late general’s ordeal had drawn nationwide attention after his abductors released a video showing him and his wife in captivity, pleading for intervention. The terrorists reportedly demanded the release of some of their associates and the return of confiscated livestock as conditions for the couple’s freedom.
His death has reignited concerns over the deteriorating security situation across northern Nigeria, where kidnapping-for-ransom and terrorist violence continue to exact a heavy toll on civilians, traditional rulers, security personnel and public officials. Analysts say the demise of a retired senior military officer in captivity underscores the growing audacity of armed groups and highlights the enormous challenges confronting security agencies.
As tributes pour in from military veterans, public officials and concerned Nigerians, attention has now shifted to the fate of his wife, who remains in the custody of the terrorists as of press time. Security agencies have yet to announce any breakthrough regarding her rescue.
For a nation already burdened by grief and insecurity, the death of Major-General Rabe Abubakar stands as a grim reminder that the menace of terrorism and banditry continues to strike at the very heart of Nigeria, sparing neither the ordinary citizen nor those who once wore the nation’s uniform in service and sacrifice.