Bandits’ Captivity Death: Widow Rejects Illness Claims, Reveals What K!lled General Rabe

According to IReporter Online, new details have surfaced regarding the final moments of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), with fresh accounts suggesting he died in the arms of his wife while both were held captive by bandits in Katsina State.

The account, reportedly obtained from his widow, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, during her treatment after being rescued, appears to challenge the Katsina State Government’s earlier position that the retired general died from complications linked to diabetes and hypertension.

General Rabe and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area. He later died while in captivity, while his wife survived a gunshot wound and was later freed.

A source who allegedly interacted with Hajiya Amina during her hospitalisation claimed she firmly rejected claims of pre-existing medical conditions, insisting her husband had no history of diabetes or hypertension prior to the abduction and was in good health at the time.

The source further stated that the widow noticed a rapid decline in his condition after one of his legs became swollen while they were in captivity. It was also alleged that the bandits informed her he may have been bitten by a snake, after which they applied crude local remedies, including mashed leaves, without any improvement in his condition.

According to the account, his health continued to deteriorate until he eventually died while being held in captivity, with the widow said to have described the moment as deeply traumatic.

Weekend Trust had earlier reported that the kidnappers allegedly considered releasing his wife at some point, but she reportedly refused to leave without her husband.

Following his death, the Defence Headquarters maintained that it had avoided public statements during the incident to prevent disruption of rescue operations. Military authorities also confirmed that significant efforts were deployed to secure their release and described the late general as a distinguished officer who made notable contributions to national security and counter-insurgency operations.

Security sources further revealed that investigations are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the kidnappers’ movements, particularly their reported attempt to flee shortly before troops arrived. There are also concerns that operational information may have been compromised, although this remains under investigation.

The retired general, his wife, and their driver were ambushed and abducted while travelling through Matazu. The driver reportedly escaped with gunshot injuries and later received medical treatment.

A video later emerged showing the couple appealing to authorities to meet the demands of their captors, which reportedly included the release of detained associates.

Military sources confirmed that troops eventually located the kidnappers during intensified operations under Operation Fansan Yamma, engaging them around Tunga Village, during which the bandits shot the general’s wife before fleeing.

Security officials also linked the abduction to a criminal network allegedly associated with a notorious bandit leader operating across parts of Katsina and neighbouring states, known for multiple kidnappings and violent attacks in the North-West region.