How my husband died — Gen Rabe’s wife

Fresh details have emerged surrounding the death of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), with his wife, Amina Abubakar, reportedly revealing that the retired officer died in her arms while they were being held captive by bandits in Katsina State.

The account, obtained from Hajiya Amina during treatment following her rescue, contradicts the Katsina State Government’s earlier claim that the retired general died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension.

General Abubakar 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 died in captivity, his wife recently regained freedom despite sustaining a gunshot wound.

According to a source quoted by Weekend Trust, Hajiya Amina insisted that her husband had no known history of diabetes or hypertension and was in good health before their abduction.

The source said the widow recounted that the general’s health suddenly deteriorated after one of his legs became swollen in captivity.

“She told us there was a likelihood that he was bitten by a snake because when she noticed the swelling, she drew the attention of the bandits, who reluctantly admitted that he had been bitten by a snake,” the source said.

The source added that the kidnappers attempted to treat the swelling using mashed leaves, but the retired officer’s condition worsened rapidly.

“They brought some mashed leaves and applied them to the swollen leg, but there was no improvement. She told us that he died in her arms. It was a very difficult moment for her,” the source said.

It was also learnt that while General Abubakar was still alive, the kidnappers allegedly considered releasing his wife, but she declined, insisting that she would only leave alongside her husband.

Following the retired general’s death, the Defence Headquarters said it had refrained from making public comments on the abduction to avoid jeopardising rescue efforts.

The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Samaila Uba, said the Armed Forces and other security agencies had committed significant resources to securing the retired officer’s release.

“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 impacts. His commitment to duty and the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the Armed Forces.”

Meanwhile, security agencies have reportedly launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the bandits’ apparent attempt to flee their hideout shortly before troops arrived at the location.

A security source said authorities were probing whether information about the planned rescue operation may have been leaked.

“Before the troops were dispatched, the location was carefully mapped and all the coordinates sorted out. It remains curious why the bandits attempted to flee the location where they had 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. Only time will tell,” the source said.