Retired General Rabe Abubakar Laid to Rest as Wife Regains Freedom After Captivity

The body of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar has been released by his captors, alongside the freedom of his wife, who had been held with him.

According to reports, the abductors released Abubakar’s wife at the same time they handed over the late general’s remains following his death while in captivity.

Funeral prayers were held in Katsina on Saturday as relatives, government officials, military personnel and residents gathered to honour the former senior military officer.

Conflict journalist Bakatsine confirmed the development in a post on X, sharing images from the funeral ceremony.

He stated that mourners assembled to pay their final respects after the late general’s body was returned and his wife regained her freedom.

The funeral came shortly after the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) explained why it had earlier remained silent on the incident. According to the military, withholding public comments was necessary to avoid compromising rescue efforts being coordinated by the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the DHQ described Abubakar as a respected officer who served Nigeria in several strategic roles, including as spokesperson for different military formations and later as Director of Defence Information.

The late general’s passing has drawn tributes from military circles and members of the public.