Fresh details have emerged regarding the death of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), with his widow, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, reportedly dismissing claims that he died from diabetes and hypertension while in the custody of bandits in Katsina State.

The retired army general and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. While his wife was eventually rescued after sustaining a gunshot wound, General Rabe died before security forces could secure their release.

According to accounts attributed to Hajiya Amina while receiving medical treatment after her rescue, the late general was in good health at the time of their abduction and had no known history of diabetes or hypertension.

She reportedly recalled that her husband’s condition began to deteriorate after one of his legs became severely swollen during their captivity. When she drew the attention of their captors to the swelling, the bandits allegedly informed her that he had been bitten by a snake.

The kidnappers were said to have attempted to treat the injury using local herbal remedies, applying mashed leaves to the affected leg. However, his condition worsened rapidly despite their efforts.

According to the account, General Rabe eventually died in the arms of his wife while they remained in captivity, a traumatic experience she is still struggling to overcome.

The couple’s ordeal began when they, alongside their driver, were ambushed by armed bandits while travelling through Matazu Local Government Area. Although the driver sustained gunshot wounds during the attack, he managed to escape and later received medical treatment.

A video later surfaced showing the retired general and his wife appealing for intervention to secure their freedom. Their abductors reportedly demanded the release of detained associates and made other conditions for their release.

Security sources disclosed that investigations are ongoing into circumstances surrounding the operation to rescue the victims. Authorities are examining whether information about the planned military intervention may have leaked after the kidnappers reportedly abandoned their hideout shortly before troops arrived.

The Defence Headquarters had earlier stated that troops under Operation Fansan Yamma launched extensive search-and-rescue efforts to locate the victims. During a military offensive near Tunga Village, troops reportedly made contact with the bandits.

According to the military, the fleeing kidnappers shot Hajiya Amina before abandoning her as troops closed in on their location. She was subsequently evacuated for treatment and continues to receive medical care.

The Defence Headquarters described Major General Rabe Abubakar as a distinguished officer who served Nigeria in several strategic positions, including as Director of Defence Information and spokesperson for various military formations. The military said he made significant contributions to counter-insurgency operations, professional development within the Armed Forces, and national security.

Security agencies also revealed that the criminal gang responsible for the abduction is believed to be linked to notorious bandit leader Kachalla Muhammad Fulani, whose network has been associated with kidnappings, violent attacks and ransom operations across Katsina, Kano and other parts of Nigeria’s North-West region.