Retired army generals fume over Major- General Rabe’s death, say government allowed him to die in the hands of “chickens”

By Kingston Magare 14.6.2026
The death of former Nigeria army spokesperson Major-General Abubakar Rabe who died in the custody of bandits Saturday has irked some retired Army Generals who felt he was let down by the country he served.
Major-General Rabe and his wife were kidnapped by bandits led by notorious kingpin Mohammed Kachalla. He reportedly urged the government to release some of his gang members arrested by the authorities and some cattle in exchange for Rabe and his wife.
But the Katsina State government and the Federal government allowed Rabe and his wife to remain in captivity from May 30 when he was taken till he died on Saturday. He was said to have died from diabetics and hypertension complications according to Katsina commissioner Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu.
Major General Rabe’s remains were released by the bandits and was buried in Katsina; it was not yet clear the fate of his wife.
Speaking on his untimely demise Brigadier-General, Bashir Adewinbi rtd, said: “It is a very bad message to the international community, particularly about the security situation of this country. As it is now everybody, not only retired generals, but everybody should defend themselves by any means.”
“This is how Nigeria is treating retired generals who fought to defend this country, to protect territorial integrity, just got killed by chickens and died in captivity.”
Brigadier-General John Sura rtd stated that as it is nobody is safe in Nigeria.
“It is just an unfortunate incident. It could have been me, and it could have been any general. If this country can abandon somebody to the insurgents or the terrorists, it means even a senator, a governor, or any other person can fall prey,” he said.
Former Senate president and currently African Democratic Congress national chairman, Brigadier General David Mark rtd said in a statement
“The death of Major General Rabe Abubakar in captivity is not only a personal loss to his family and the military community but also a national tragedy. It raises serious concerns about the safety and security of every Nigerian citizen.”