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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has finally confirmed the death of Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), while in the captivity of bandits in Katsina State.

The DHQ, in a statement on Saturday, signed by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said all efforts were put in place to rescue the retired officer before his death, but unfortunately, it was not successful.

Uba conveyed the condolences of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to his family, his colleagues and all Nigerians.

The statement also recalled the meritorious service by Abubakar to Nigeria through the military, adding that the late officer served with distinction.

The DHQ noted that his death has strengthened their resolve to dislodge every bandit, terrorist and criminal across the nation, adding that they will pay for their actions.

It added that no public statement was made earlier about his abduction due to ongoing rescue efforts by security agencies.

The full statement reads, “The Defence Headquarters regrets to announce the passing of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Retired), who tragically lost his life in captivity following his abduction.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) convey its deepest sympathies to the Abubakar family, his colleagues and all Nigerians. Maj Gen Abubakar served the nation with distinction and held many appointments including spokesperson of various military formations as well as spokesman for the AFN as Director Defence Information. He made immense contributions to counter-insurgency operations, professional development of the AFN and numerous other commendable and outstanding impacts. His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the AFN.

“The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the AFN and sister security agencies. Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return.

“This sad loss further strengthens the resolve of the AFN. We will remain resolute in the discharge of our constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria and to protect all citizens.

“In response to series of unfortunate abductions across Nigeria including that of Maj Gen Abubakar, ongoing operations have since been further intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening our nation.

“We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorists activities across the nation are held to account.”

Recall that on May 30, 2026, Abubakar and his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, were ambushed and abducted by suspected armed bandits while travelling in a Peugeot 406 near Zakin Baure village in the Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Their driver survived the attack after sustaining gunshot injuries.

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Katsina State Government has announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while being held captive by bandits, describing the development as a devastating loss to both the state and the nation.

In a statement signed by Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, Commissioner Internal Security and Home Affairs., the government said it received news of the retired military officer’s passing with “a heavy heart and deep sense of loss”.

According to the statement, the late General died while in captivity despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his freedom.

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits captivity. Despite the relentless and concerted efforts of the State Government and various Security Agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy,” the statement said.

The government disclosed that the retired Major General died of natural causes linked to underlying health conditions.

“The deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” it added.
Officials described his death as a significant national loss, noting that his passing extends far beyond the grief of his immediate family.

“His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country,” the statement noted.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda extended condolences to the bereaved family and the nation, lamenting the circumstances surrounding the former General’s death.

The governor described the incident as a “dark moment” and a reminder of the need for stronger collective action against insecurity.

According to the statement, Governor Radda said the tragedy underscores “the urgent need for a collective and intensified front against the criminal elements threatening the peace of our communities.”

The Katsina State Government reaffirmed its commitment to tackling banditry and bringing those responsible for the abduction to justice.

“The Katsina State Government remains committed to working with the Federal Government and security forces to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice. We assure the citizens of Katsina State that our resolve to eliminate banditry and ensure the safety of all residents remains unshaken,” the statement added.

The government also offered prayers for the late military officer and support for his grieving family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time. May the soul of the departed Retired Major General Rabe Abdulakdir rest in eternal peace.”
The 

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By Gloria Ikibah

Fresh political manoeuvring has emerged within the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) following the endorsement of Bauchi-born development economist and politician, makindeDr Ibrahim Waziri, as a preferred presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 general election.

The development has added a new layer of intrigue to the party’s presidential calculations, particularly amid growing speculation that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, may seek the party’s ticket for the next presidential contest.

At a stakeholders’ meeting attended by party leaders, supporters and political associates from more than 30 states, Waziri secured the backing of participants who adopted him as their preferred candidate for the 2027 race.

The endorsement is understood to have received significant support from influential party figures across the 19 Northern states, strengthening Waziri’s position within the emerging contest for the party’s presidential nomination.

The move is expected to reshape internal discussions within the APM, with supporters of the Bauchi politician arguing that his profile, experience and national network place him in a strong position to lead the party into the next election cycle.

Isa Mohammed a party member backing Waziri maintained that he enjoys considerable political goodwill across different regions of the country and possesses the capacity to build a broad-based national coalition ahead of 2027.

“Makinde’s support is restricted to Oyo and Osun states only where he was pronounced as presidential candidate

“We are confident that Dr Ibrahim is receiving the support of politicians that matter in Nigeria who are all positioned to take over power in 2027,” Mohammed said.

He further expressed confidence that Waziri would eventually secure official recognition as the party’s presidential candidate.

“He is certain that his name will be officially recognised as the authentic APM presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election by the INEC,” he added.

A veteran politician from Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, said “Waziri is not new to Nigeria’s political landscape. He was active during the Third Republic and participated in the historic 1993 Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential primaries in Jos, which produced the late Chief MKO Abiola as the party’s candidate”.

Supporters describe him as a grassroots politician with decades of political experience, having also sought elective offices including governor and senator at different periods of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Beyond politics, Waziri is known in business and technology circles as one of the pioneers of indigenous computer and telecommunications enterprises in Nigeria. He studied Political Economy, Accounting, Software and Data Processing in the United States and holds a doctorate degree in Political Economy.

His profile received further prominence recently following his installation as Sarkin Sullubawan Bauchi by the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu.

In adopting Waziri, the stakeholders cited what they described as his extensive experience in governance, economic management and nation-building.

According to them, the challenges confronting Nigeria require leadership with a clear focus on security, poverty reduction, national unity and institutional reforms.

They said Waziri’s proposed agenda prioritises “National Security, Poverty Alleviation, National Unity and Democratic Accountability,” areas they believe are critical to the country’s future stability and development.

The endorsement is likely to deepen internal discussions within the APM as party stakeholders continue consultations and political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.

Attempts to reach key figures across different camps within the party, including individuals believed to be associated with Governor Seyi Makinde’s reported presidential aspirations, did not yield any response before press time.

Although political parties are yet to commence their formal presidential nomination processes, the latest development highlights the growing contest for influence, relevance and strategic positioning among potential contenders.

The move also reflects the increasing pace of political consultations and alliance-building taking place across party lines as preparations gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 presidential election.