BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who died while being held captive by bandits in Katsina State.
The development has also sparked outrage among retired military officers, who described the incident as a reflection of the nation’s worsening security situation and a failure of government efforts to protect citizens.
Major General Abubakar was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, while travelling along the Katsina–Matazu Road. Days after the abduction, the kidnappers released a video demanding the release of three detained fighters and the return of livestock allegedly seized during security operations as conditions for the couple’s freedom.
In the video, the retired officer and his wife appealed to the Katsina State Government to meet the demands of their captors.
However, on Saturday, the Katsina State Government confirmed Abubakar’s death in captivity. The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu.
According to the government, the retired general died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in the custody of his abductors.
Tinubu Reaffirms Tough Stance Against Terrorists
Reacting to the tragedy, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s uncompromising position on terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, insisting that the government would not bow to the demands of criminal groups.
In a statement issued by the Presidency, Tinubu described the incident as a painful reminder of the security challenges confronting parts of the country.
“Bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever, and no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” the President stated.
He called on Nigerians to remain united and confident in the nation’s ability to overcome insecurity.
“As Nigerians, we must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” he added.
Retired Generals Condemn Killing
Several retired senior military officers condemned the death of the former Army spokesman, describing it as both tragic and unacceptable.
A retired Brigadier General, Bashir Adewinbi, said the incident sends a disturbing message to the international community regarding Nigeria’s security challenges.
“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 all Nigerians—must be prepared to defend themselves,” he said.
Adewinbi described the development as unfortunate and pathetic, lamenting that a senior officer who devoted his life to defending Nigeria eventually died in captivity.
He called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture, stressing the need for improved intelligence gathering, deployment of modern technology and stronger collaboration among security agencies.
Similarly, retired Brigadier General John Sura described the incident as a stark reminder that no Nigerian is immune from the threat of insecurity.
“It could have been me; it could have been any other retired general. If this country can abandon someone to terrorists, then anyone—a senator, governor or ordinary citizen—can become a victim,” he said.
Sura warned that such incidents could undermine confidence in the state’s ability to protect both serving and retired security personnel.
Military Vows Justice
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has pledged to intensify efforts to track down those responsible for the abduction and death of the retired general.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described the incident as a painful loss and vowed to sustain ongoing operations against terrorist and criminal networks across the country.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed that it had deliberately refrained from making public comments during the period of captivity to avoid jeopardising efforts aimed at securing Abubakar’s release.
According to the military, security operations have already been intensified in response to the increasing wave of kidnappings and terrorist activities nationwide.
David Mark Describes Death As National Tragedy
Former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, also mourned the late officer, describing his death as a national tragedy.
Mark, himself a retired Brigadier General, said the incident raises serious concerns about the safety and security of Nigerians.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser, Kola Ologbondiyan, the former Senate President noted that the death of Major General Abubakar was not only a loss to his family and the military community but also a painful reminder of the country’s deepening security crisis.
“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,” he stated.
The late Major General Rabe Abubakar served as Director of Defence Information and remained actively engaged in national security discourse following his retirement from military service.
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2026-06-11