Forget The Illness Rumors: Widow Reveals What Truly Ended General Rabe’s Life

Fresh revelations have surfaced regarding the death of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), with reports indicating that the retired military officer died in the arms of his wife while both were being held hostage by bandits in Katsina State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The account, reportedly provided by his widow, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, during treatment following her rescue, challenges the Katsina State Government’s earlier claim that the retired general died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension.

General Rabe and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. While the retired officer later died in captivity, his wife regained freedom after suffering a gunshot wound.

According to sources cited by Weekend Trust, Hajiya Amina maintained that her husband had no known history of diabetes or hypertension before their abduction.

Contrary to official reports, she reportedly stated that the retired general was in good health when they were kidnapped.

The widow further recalled that her husband’s condition began to deteriorate after one of his legs suddenly became swollen while they were in captivity.

According to the source, she suspected he may have been bitten by a snake. When she raised concerns about the swelling, the kidnappers allegedly informed her that he had indeed suffered a snake bite.

The bandits were said to have attempted treatment using traditional remedies, applying mashed leaves to the affected area. However, General Rabe’s health reportedly worsened rapidly despite their efforts.

“She told us that he died in her arms. It was a heartbreaking experience for her,” the source disclosed.

Earlier reports indicated that while the retired general was still alive, the kidnappers considered releasing his wife. However, she reportedly refused to leave without her husband.

Following General Rabe’s death, the Defence Headquarters explained that it deliberately avoided public commentary on the abduction to prevent compromising rescue operations.

Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Samaila Uba, said the Armed Forces and other security agencies committed substantial resources toward securing the retired officer’s freedom.

He described General Rabe as a distinguished military officer who served in several key positions, including Director of Defence Information and spokesperson for various military formations.

According to Uba, the late general made significant contributions to counter-insurgency operations, military professionalism, and national security, adding that his dedication to duty and national unity remains an enduring example to service personnel.

Meanwhile, security agencies have launched investigations into circumstances surrounding the kidnappers’ apparent attempt to flee their hideout shortly before troops arrived in the area.

A security source revealed that authorities are examining the possibility that information about the planned rescue operation may have been leaked.

The source noted that the location had been carefully mapped and operational coordinates finalized before troops were deployed.

“Some of the bandits have access to communication networks and information sources. It remains unclear why they suddenly abandoned a location where they had held the General, his wife and other captives for several days,” the source said.

Authorities, he added, are not ruling out the possibility of sabotage, although investigations remain ongoing.

How the Abduction Happened

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

Their driver managed to escape despite sustaining gunshot injuries. He initially received treatment at the Federal Medical Centre in Katsina before being transferred to another hospital outside the state.

A video later emerged showing the retired general and his wife appealing to authorities to meet the demands of their captors.

The kidnappers reportedly demanded the release of detained associates and made additional demands during negotiations.

Government sources later disclosed that the operation appeared carefully coordinated, with indications that the victims had been tracked from Kaduna before the attack occurred.

The Defence Headquarters said troops under Operation Fansan Yamma eventually traced the kidnappers during intensified search-and-rescue efforts.

Military officials reported that troops engaged the bandits near Tunga Village during an offensive operation.

During the confrontation, the kidnappers allegedly shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing under pressure from advancing troops.

She was subsequently rescued and evacuated for medical treatment, where she continues to recover.

Security sources believe the abduction was carried out by a criminal network linked to notorious bandit leader Kachalla Muhammad Fulani, whose group is believed to operate across parts of Katsina and Kano states.

The gang has been associated with numerous kidnappings, violent attacks, and ransom-related crimes across Nigeria’s North-West region.