The wife of a former Nigerian Army spokesman, retired Maj. Gen. Abubakar Rabe, has reportedly been released alive by her abductors, even as the general himself died while still in captivity in Katsina State.
Rabe’s wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, who was kidnapped alongside her husband, was handed over to the Katsina State Government, according to a source cited by TheNiche.
The source said the late general’s body was also released to state authorities and was being transported to Kaduna for burial.
“Just got information that the bandits have handed over the corpse of Major General Rabe Abubakar to Katsina State government alongside his wife, who’s alive, and the corpse is on the way to Kaduna for burial later today,” the source said.
Government Confirms General’s Death
The Katsina State Government confirmed Rabe’s death in a statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Muazu, who said the retired officer died in captivity due to complications from diabetes and high blood pressure.
According to the statement, despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, the general could not be saved, and his death resulted from natural causes linked to his existing health conditions.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the development as a painful and tragic moment for the state and the nation, sending condolences to Rabe’s family. The statement noted that the general’s abduction and death represented a major loss not just to his family and Katsina State, but to the country as a whole, and called for stronger collective action against banditry.
The state government reiterated its commitment to working with federal authorities and security agencies to track down those responsible for the abduction, while assuring residents that efforts to combat banditry in the state remain ongoing.
Rabe and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, while travelling along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, after their vehicle was ambushed by armed bandits near Zakin Baure village. Their driver reportedly sustained gunshot injuries in the attack.
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