Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, has died while in bandits’ captivity, the Katsina State Government has confirmed.   In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, the government said the retired military officer passed away despite ongoing efforts by state authorities and security agencies to secure his release. The statement said Abubakar died from complications linked to diabetes and hypertension while being held by his abductors. He and his wife were abducted on 30 May while travelling through Katsina State. The abductors were earlier reported to have demanded the release of detained fighters and the return of seized livestock in exchange for their freedom. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the development as a “dark moment” for Katsina State, adding that the government remained committed to strengthening the fight against banditry and improving security across affected communities. Security agencies had reportedly made several attempts to rescue the retired general, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The state government expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed its collaboration with federal authorities to bring those responsible to justice.