A high-powered military delegation from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) paid a condolence visit to the Katsina State Government on Sunday, vowing to bring the perpetrators responsible for the tragic death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar to justice.
Led by DHQ Chief Administration Officer Major General I.M. Abdullahi, the team was received by Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe on behalf of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and the people of Katsina.
The delegation featured a robust assembly of senior officers, including Theatre Commander Major General W.B. Idris, Rear Admiral A.H. Haruna, Major General B.P. Koughna, and Brigadier General I.M. Ibrahim. They were accompanied by retired officers Brigadier General S.K. Usman, A.U.M. S.I. Kaita, Major General M.S. Bindawa, and A.U.M. A.Y. Abdullahi.
Speaking during the visit, Major General Abdullahi said the delegation was in Katsina to convey the condolences of the Defence Headquarters and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the government and people of the state over the loss of the retired military officer, who was reportedly killed by bandits.
He described the late Major General Rabe Abdullahi as a distinguished officer whose service and sacrifice to the nation would not be forgotten, noting that his death was a tragic loss not only to his family and Katsina State but also to the country.
The senior military officer assured the state government that the Defence Headquarters remained committed to strengthening security operations and supporting efforts to track down and prosecute those behind the killing.
“We share in the grief of the people of Katsina and the family of the deceased. The Armed Forces will continue to work with relevant security agencies to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the Katsina State Government, Deputy Governor Jobe expressed appreciation to the military leadership for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of solidarity and support during a difficult period for the state.
He reiterated the commitment of the state government to working closely with security agencies to combat banditry and other criminal activities, while ensuring that those responsible for the crime face the full weight of the law.
The deputy governor also stressed that the administration remained steadfast in its resolve to protect lives and property, and called for sustained and intensified security operations across Katsina State and the country.
The visit ended with a solemn one-minute silence in honour of the late Major General Rabe Abdullahi (Rtd), whose death has continued to attract tributes and condolences from military personnel, government officials and citizens across the country.
General Abubakar was on his way to his hometown when he was abducted alongside his wife along the Katsina–Matazu road on May 30, 2026.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Katsina State, Nasiru Mu’azu, said the retired military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.
The late senior military officer was laid to rest at about 6:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery, located opposite his residence in Katsina metropolis, following funeral prayers attended by a large crowd of mourners.
