What Killed General Rabe In Bandits’ Captivity – Widow Dismisses Illness, Reveals Cause Of Death

Fresh details have emerged on the final moments of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), with sources claiming the retired military officer died in the arms of his wife while they were being held captive by bandits in Katsina State.

The latest account, reportedly obtained from Hajiya Amina Abubakar while she was receiving treatment after her rescue, appears to contradict the official position of the Katsina State Government that the retired general died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.

General Rabe was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. He later died in captivity, while his wife regained freedom after sustaining a gunshot wound.

According to Weekend Trust, a source who claimed to have spoken with Hajiya Amina during her hospitalisation said the widow insisted that her husband had no known history of diabetes or 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.

According to the source, the widow recalled noticing a sudden deterioration in the retired general’s health after one of his legs became swollen while they were 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.

The source said the kidnappers allegedly attempted to treat the swelling with local remedies, but General Rabe’s condition continued to worsen.

“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.

Weekend Trust had earlier reported that while the retired general was still alive, the kidnappers allegedly considered releasing his wife, but she declined, insisting she would only regain freedom alongside her husband.

Following the retired officer’s death, the Defence Headquarters said it deliberately refrained from making public comments about the abduction in order not to jeopardise rescue efforts.

The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Samaila Uba, said the Armed Forces and other security agencies deployed significant resources to secure the release of the retired general.

“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, a security source disclosed that investigations were ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the kidnappers’ apparent attempt to flee their hideout shortly before troops arrived in the area.

The source said security agencies were probing whether information about the planned rescue mission may have leaked.

“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.”

How the couple was abducted

General Rabe, his wife and their driver were ambushed and abducted on May 30 while travelling through Matazu Local Government Area.

Their driver escaped despite sustaining gunshot wounds and was initially treated at the Federal Medical Centre, Katsina, before being transferred to another hospital outside the state.

A video later surfaced showing the retired general and his wife pleading for authorities to meet the demands of their captors.

The kidnappers reportedly demanded the release of detained associates and other concessions.

Government sources later disclosed that the abduction was carefully planned and that the victims were allegedly tracked from Kaduna before the attack.

The Defence Headquarters said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma eventually located the kidnappers during intensified search-and-rescue operations.

According to the military, troops made contact with the bandits around Tunga Village during an offensive operation.

“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 added that she was immediately evacuated for treatment and has continued to receive medical care.

Security sources said the couple was allegedly abducted by a criminal network linked to notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Muhammad Fulani, who is believed to operate across several local government areas in Katsina State and parts of Kano State.

The gang has been linked to numerous kidnappings, violent attacks and ransom operations across the North-West region.