The Defence Headquarters on Saturday mourned the death of a former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), who was abducted and later died in captivity.

The military high command also vowed to intensify ongoing operations aimed at tracking down those responsible and other criminal elements across the country.

Abubakar was reportedly kidnapped alongside his wife in May while travelling through Katsina State.

A video later surfaced on June 6 showing the retired general and his wife appealing to the Katsina State Government for the release of detained bandits and livestock.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Defence Headquarters described Abubakar’s death as a tragic loss.

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

The military said Abubakar served the nation with distinction in various capacities, including as spokesman for military formations and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The DHQ noted that the late officer contributed significantly to counter-insurgency operations, military professionalism and national development.

“His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the AFN,” the statement added.

According to the statement, the Defence Headquarters deliberately avoided public comment on the abduction while rescue efforts were ongoing.

“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,” Uba stated.

The military said the incident had further strengthened its resolve to intensify operations against insecurity across the country.

“In response to a 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,” Uba said.

The Armed Forces assured Nigerians that it would not relent until peace and security are restored nationwide.

Accord Party presidential candidate and Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has condemned the reported attack on human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, and other protesters during a Democracy Day demonstration, describing it as a troubling sign for Nigeria’s democratic future.

In a statement made available to newsmen, Hashim said the right to peaceful protest, free expression, and civic participation are fundamental elements of democracy and must not be undermined.

He warned that democracy cannot survive where citizens are intimidated for demanding accountability or expressing concerns about governance.

According to him, Democracy Day should not only mark the return to civilian rule but also serve as a reminder of the responsibility to protect democratic values, including freedom of Expression justice, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.

“Democracy is strengthened when citizens can freely speak, organise, and demand accountability from those entrusted with power. Any attempt to suppress these freedoms weakens democracy itself,” Hashim said.

The Presidential candidate, who recently became co-chair of MDR alongside NLC President Comrade Joe Ajero said the movement was established to defend Nigeria’s democratic space and prevent any drift towards authoritarianism.

He also condemned what he described as the continued harassment of Sowore, including the seizure of his passport, which he said remains unresolved despite legal interventions.

Hashim said MDR would continue to mobilise democratic forces, civil society, labour, and citizens committed to protecting democratic institutions and expanding civic freedoms.

“Nigeria must not return to an era where dissent is treated as a crime and citizens are denied their democratic rights. The defence of democracy is the responsibility of all who believe in freedom and accountable leadership,” he said.

He urged security agencies and relevant authorities to respect citizens’ constitutional rights while ensuring public order.

Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command said it has foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued nine abducted passengers following a swift tactical operation along the Katsina-Kankara highway.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, detailing how police operatives engaged suspected armed bandits in a fierce gun duel and forced them to abandon their captives.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on Friday, June 12, 2026, at about 2:30 PM when a group of armed bandits barricaded the Katsina-Kankara Road at Tashar Kanya Village in Kankara Local Government Area.

The gunmen reportedly intercepted a red commercial Volkswagen Golf III saloon car with registration number KMC 400 MK, driven by 40-year-old Aliyu, popularly known as “Maitakabari.” The vehicle was conveying 11 passengers from Dandume to Katsina when the attackers forcefully abducted all occupants.

Upon receiving a distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kankara said he swiftly mobilised a combined team of operatives, including personnel from the Violent Crime Rescue Unit (VCRU), and stormed the area.

“The police team confronted the kidnappers in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

“Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical strategy of the operatives, the bandits were forced to flee into the bush, abandoning several of their victims.

“During a search of the surrounding area, the police rescued nine victims unharmed.”

The rescued victims were identified as Abubakar Ibrahim, 28; Rakkiya Ya’u, 30; Shamsiya Ahmad Mahamud, 18; Jumai Majarazu, 20; Salamatu Adamu, 30; Yusuf Halliru, 17; Harira Hamisu, 25; Umma Kabir, 17; and three-year-old Nusaiba Maharazu.

However, two victims — Buhari Kabir and the driver, Aliyu “Maitakabari” — remain unaccounted for, according to the statement.

The police said an intensive search-and-rescue operation is ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Commending the bravery and professionalism displayed by the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, Ali Fage, praised the officers for their gallantry and dedication to duty.

He reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering determination to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality across the state, urging members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.