JUST IN: Retired army general dies after weeks in bandits’ custody

A retired Major-General of the Nigerian Army and former Director of Defence Information, Rabe Abubakar, has died while being held by bandits, the Katsina State Government has confirmed.

Abubakar and his wife were abducted in May while travelling through Katsina State. Their ordeal drew national attention after a video surfaced on June 6 showing the couple appealing to the state government to facilitate their release.

Confirming the development in a statement on Saturday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, said the retired military officer died while in captivity despite efforts to secure his freedom.

According to the commissioner, the late general succumbed to health complications linked to diabetes and hypertension.

“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 retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” Mu’azu said.

The state government described the incident as a major loss not only to the deceased’s family and Katsina State but also to the nation, noting that Governor Dikko Radda had extended condolences to his family.

The governor reportedly described the incident as a dark moment and stressed the need for stronger collaboration in tackling criminal groups threatening communities across the country.

The Katsina State Government also reaffirmed its commitment to working with federal authorities and security agencies to combat banditry and ensure that those responsible for criminal acts are brought to justice, while assuring residents that efforts to improve security across the state would continue.