BREAKING: Ex-defence spokesman, Rabe Abubakar buried as wife regains freedom

Former Director of Defence Information, Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, was buried in Katsina on Saturday after funeral prayers attended by family, military officers, government officials and local residents.

The burial was announced in a post by crisis reporter Bakatsine on X, which revealed that the general’s wife—who had been held with him in captivity—was released by their abductors together with his body.

The Katsina State Government confirmed that the retired officer died while in bandits’ custody after he and his wife were abducted on the Matazu axis of the state on May 30.

Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Dr. Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa said security authorities had received information that the general had died while in the hands of his abductors.

State officials reported that Abubakar succumbed to complications from diabetes and hypertension, despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to secure his release.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the incident as a tragic loss to Katsina State and Nigeria, noting that the general’s death was a significant blow given his years of dedicated service to the country.

During the funeral on Saturday, mourners paid their final respects as the retired military officer was buried in accordance with Islamic rites, while his wife, who had regained her freedom after weeks in captivity, reunited with family members.