Fresh revelations have emerged regarding the death of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), as his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, reportedly disputed the Katsina State Government's account of the circumstances surrounding his demise while in the custody of bandits.
The retired military officer and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. While General Rabe later died in captivity, his wife recently regained freedom after surviving a gunshot wound sustained during the ordeal.
According to sources cited by Weekend Trust, Hajiya Amina, while receiving medical treatment following her rescue, disclosed that her husband had no known history of diabetes or hypertension before their abduction, contradicting an earlier statement by the Katsina State Government that attributed his death to complications arising from both conditions.
A source familiar with her account said the widow maintained that the retired general was in good health when they were taken hostage. However, his condition reportedly deteriorated after one of his legs became severely swollen during captivity.
The source said Hajiya Amina suspected her husband may have been bitten by a snake after noticing the swelling and drawing the attention of their captors. The bandits allegedly informed her that he had indeed suffered a snake bite.
According to the account, the kidnappers attempted to treat the injury using locally prepared herbal remedies, applying mashed leaves to the swollen leg. Despite the effort, General Rabe's condition reportedly worsened rapidly.
“She told us that he died in her arms. It was a very difficult moment for her,” the source revealed.
It was also gathered that while the retired officer was still alive, the kidnappers considered releasing his wife. However, she reportedly declined the offer, insisting she would only leave captivity alongside her husband.
Following General Rabe's death, the Defence Headquarters explained that it deliberately avoided making public statements about the abduction to prevent compromising ongoing rescue efforts.
The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Samaila Uba, described the late officer as a distinguished soldier who served Nigeria with dedication in several strategic appointments, including as spokesman for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He noted that General Rabe made significant contributions to counter-insurgency operations, military professionalism and national unity throughout his career.
Meanwhile, security agencies have reportedly intensified investigations into circumstances surrounding the kidnappers' apparent attempt to abandon their hideout shortly before troops arrived in the area.
A security source disclosed that authorities were examining the possibility that information regarding the planned rescue mission may have been leaked.
According to the source, security operatives had carefully mapped the location and established the necessary coordinates before deploying troops for the operation.
The source added that investigators remain puzzled by the sudden movement of the kidnappers from a location where they had reportedly held General Rabe, his wife and other victims for several days, raising concerns about possible sabotage.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with officials maintaining that all possibilities remain under consideration.
Abuja Network News
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