NEWS
Mystery Deepens Over Death of Ex-Defence Spokesman Gen. Rabe Abubakar as Wife Reveals Chilling Details of Final Moments in Bandits’ Den
Fresh revelations have emerged surrounding the tragic death of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), as new accounts from his widow paint a heartbreaking picture of the retired military officer’s final moments while in the custody of bandits in Katsina State.
The latest details, reportedly obtained from Hajiya Amina Abubakar during her recovery after being rescued from captivity, have raised fresh questions about the circumstances surrounding the retired General’s death and appear to challenge the earlier explanation offered by the Katsina State Government.
Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State while travelling through the area. The retired senior military officer later died in captivity, while his wife survived after sustaining a gunshot wound during a military rescue operation.
According to a report by Weekend Trust, a source who interacted with Hajiya Amina during her hospitalisation disclosed that she strongly disputed claims that her husband suffered from diabetes and hypertension before the abduction.
“Contrary to what the Katsina State Government said, which was widely circulated in both the social and conventional media, she told us that her husband did not have diabetes or hypertension. He was hale and hearty when they were abducted,” the source said.
The source further revealed that the widow noticed a sudden and alarming deterioration in the General’s condition after one of his legs became severely swollen while they remained in captivity.
“She told us that there was a likelihood that he was bitten by a snake because when she noticed that his leg was swollen, she drew the attention of the bandits, who reluctantly told her that he had been bitten by a snake,” the source added.
According to the account, the kidnappers allegedly attempted to manage the situation using traditional remedies, but the retired General’s health continued to worsen rapidly.
“They brought some mashed leaves and applied them to the swollen leg, but there was no improvement as the General’s health deteriorated within a short time.
“She told us that he died in her arms. It was a very difficult moment for her,” the source said.
The emotional account has further intensified public interest in the circumstances surrounding the death of the former military spokesman, who served Nigeria in several strategic communication and operational roles throughout his distinguished military career.
Reports indicate that before the General’s death, the kidnappers had allegedly considered releasing his wife. However, she reportedly refused to leave captivity without her husband, choosing instead to remain by his side despite the dangers and uncertainty surrounding their ordeal.
Following the death of the retired officer, the Defence Headquarters maintained a cautious silence on the incident, explaining that public comments were deliberately withheld to avoid jeopardising ongoing rescue efforts.
The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Samaila Uba, paid glowing tribute to the late officer, describing him as a dedicated patriot who served Nigeria with distinction.
“Maj Gen Abubakar served the nation with distinction and held many appointments, including spokesperson of various military formations as well as spokesman for the Armed Forces of Nigeria as Director Defence Information,” Uba said.
“He made immense contributions to counter-insurgency operations, professional development of the Armed Forces 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 Armed Forces.”
Meanwhile, security agencies have reportedly launched investigations into circumstances surrounding the apparent movement of the kidnappers shortly before military forces arrived at their hideout.
A security source disclosed that authorities were examining the possibility that information regarding the rescue operation may have been compromised.
“Before the troops were dispatched, the location was carefully mapped and all the coordinates sorted out,” the source said.
“Of course, we know some of the bandits have access to the internet and information. It remains curious why they attempted to flee the location where they kept the General, his wife and others hostage for days.
Like in many other operations, there is no way the government will dismiss the possibility of sabotage in this situation. Only time will tell.”
General Rabe Abubakar, his wife and their driver were ambushed by armed bandits on May 30 while travelling through Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Although the driver sustained gunshot wounds during the attack, he managed to escape and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Katsina before later being transferred to another medical facility outside the state for further treatment.
As the days passed, a disturbing video surfaced online showing the retired General and his wife appealing to authorities to meet the demands of their captors in order to secure their freedom.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded the release of some detained associates alongside other concessions.
Subsequent investigations by government sources suggested that the abduction may have been meticulously planned, with indications that the victims were allegedly tracked from Kaduna before the attack was executed.
During an intensified search-and-rescue mission, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma eventually traced the kidnappers’ location.
Military authorities disclosed that troops made contact with the bandits around Tunga Village during a coordinated offensive operation aimed at rescuing the victims.
“In the course of the encounter, the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops,” the Defence Headquarters said.
The military further stated that the injured widow was immediately evacuated for medical attention and continues to receive treatment.
Security sources have linked the abduction to a criminal network allegedly associated with notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Muhammad Fulani, a figure believed to operate across several local government areas in Katsina State and neighbouring parts of Kano State.
The gang has reportedly been connected to numerous kidnapping operations, deadly attacks and large-scale ransom activities that have continued to fuel insecurity across Nigeria’s North-West region.
As investigations continue, the conflicting narratives surrounding the death of Major General Rabe Abubakar have deepened public concern, with many Nigerians awaiting the outcome of ongoing inquiries that may finally reveal what truly happened to the respected retired military officer during his final days in captivity.