Bandits Release Widow of Late Major General Rabe Abubakar as Family Receives Remains for Burial

The widow of late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, has regained her freedom after spending 15 days in captivity, bringing a tragic end to an abduction ordeal that claimed the life of the former Director of Defence Information.

Mrs. Abubakar was released by her abductors on Saturday, the same day the remains of her husband were returned to the family for burial rites.

Major General Abubakar (rtd) and his wife were kidnapped on May 30, 2026, along the Matazu axis of Katsina State while travelling to attend a wedding ceremony. The incident sparked national concern, given the retired officer’s distinguished military career and the worsening security challenges in parts of northern Nigeria.

Reports indicated that the kidnappers, led by a notorious bandit commander identified as Kachalla Muhammadu, initially sought a prisoner exchange involving detained members of their criminal network. However, the Federal Government maintained its long-standing policy of refusing to negotiate with terrorists or accede to ransom and prisoner-swap demands.

During captivity, the retired general reportedly developed serious health complications linked to diabetes and hypertension. Authorities later confirmed that he died while being held by the abductors.

The Katsina State Government and Defence Headquarters attributed his death to the deterioration of his health condition during the period of captivity.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier condemned the killing, describing it as a painful loss and reiterating the government’s commitment to combating terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.

Following negotiations and security interventions, the bandits eventually released Mrs. Abubakar and handed over the remains of the late general to authorities.

Funeral prayers for the deceased military officer were held on Saturday evening in Katsina State and were attended by family members, senior military officers, government officials, friends and well-wishers.

While Mrs. Abubakar has safely reunited with her family, sources close to the family said she remains deeply traumatized by the ordeal and the loss of her husband.

The late Major General Rabe Abubakar served as Director of Defence Information and was widely respected within military circles for his contributions to strategic communications and national security.

His death in captivity has renewed concerns over the persistent threat posed by bandit groups operating in parts of the North-West and the risks faced by travellers despite ongoing military operations against criminal elements in the region.