Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, has reportedly been killed while in the custody of bandits after his abduction in Katsina State.

The development was confirmed on Saturday by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, who said security agencies had received intelligence indicating that the retired military officer was murdered by his captors.

According to Danmusa, efforts are still ongoing to recover Abubakar’s body, which has yet to be located by security operatives.

Major General Abubakar and his wife were abducted by armed men on May 30 along the Matazu axis of Katsina State while travelling through the area.

His kidnapping had generated widespread concern across the country, with both the Katsina State Government and security agencies expressing hope that he would be rescued alive.

Authorities have not released further details surrounding the circumstances of his reported death, while security operations in the area continue.

More information is expected as investigations and search efforts progress.