Maryam Aminu
The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has mourned the death of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Abubakar Rabe (Retd.), describing his death in captivity as a painful loss to the military, the media community and the nation at large.
In a statement issued on June 13, 2026 and signed by its Secretary, Musa Umar Bologi, the association said it received the news of the retired senior officer’s passing with profound sadness following reports that
he died while being held captive by bandits.
DECAN noted that the Defence Headquarters announced the development in a statement released on Saturday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
According to the association, Major General Rabe and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, and despite ongoing efforts to secure their release, news of his death later emerged, plunging the nation, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the media community into mourning.
Paying tribute to the late military officer, DECAN described him as a disciplined officer, a gentleman and a bridge-builder whose contributions helped strengthen civil-military relations through constructive engagement with journalists.
The association said Major General Rabe’s commitment to fostering understanding between the military and the media would remain an enduring part of his legacy.
DECAN extended condolences on behalf of its members to the family of the deceased, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and all those affected by the tragic development.
It also prayed that Almighty God grants the late military officer eternal rest and gives his family, friends and associates the strength to bear what it described as an irreparable loss.
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