Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Army spokesperson and senior military officer, has died while being held by bandits, bringing a tragic end to efforts to secure his release.

The Katsina State Government confirmed the development on Saturday, saying the retired general died in captivity after battling health complications related to diabetes and hypertension.

Authorities said security agencies and the state government made sustained attempts to rescue the former military officer following his abduction, but were unable to secure his freedom before his death.

Reacting to the incident, Governor Dikko Radda described the loss as a painful moment for Katsina State and Nigeria, noting that it highlights the growing challenge of insecurity in parts of the country. He extended condolences to the family of the late general and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating banditry.

The government also vowed to continue working with federal authorities and security agencies to track down those responsible and bring them to justice.

Abubakar was abducted alongside his wife on May 30 while travelling through Katsina State. Reports had indicated that the kidnappers demanded the release of detained fighters and the return of livestock allegedly seized during security operations as conditions for their release.

A respected military figure, Abubakar previously served as Director of Defence Information and held several key positions during his career. His death has renewed concerns over the security situation in northern Nigeria and the dangers posed by armed criminal groups operating across the region.