President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound grief over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while being held captive by suspected terrorists after his abduction in Katsina State.
In a statement issued by the State House on Saturday, the President said he received the news of the former military officer’s death with deep shock and sadness, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the persistent security challenges confronting some parts of the country.
According to the presidency, the late General Abubakar, a respected retired military officer who served the nation with distinction throughout his career, was travelling to his hometown when he was intercepted and abducted by armed criminals. The tragic development has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over the activities of terrorist and kidnapping groups operating in parts of northern Nigeria.
“President Bola Tinubu has expressed shock over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State,” the statement said.
The President noted that General Abubakar dedicated a significant part of his life to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting its citizens. He described his death under such circumstances as both heartbreaking and unacceptable.
“General Abubakar, after a distinguished career in the military, retired a few years ago. He was on his way to his hometown when the hoodlums captured him,” the statement further revealed.
The tragedy has been compounded by the fact that the retired officer’s wife was abducted alongside him and remains in the custody of the kidnappers. Her continued captivity has heightened anxiety among family members, friends, and members of the public who have called for intensified efforts to secure her release.
President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the government and people of Katsina State, as well as the Nigerian Armed Forces, which he said had lost one of its dedicated and accomplished officers.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the late General’s soul and asked God to grant his family the strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss.
The President also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s determination to combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the country. He stressed that the Federal Government remains committed to eliminating criminal elements threatening the peace and security of Nigerians.
According to him, terrorist groups and kidnappers should not expect any concessions from the government, as the state will continue to pursue all lawful measures necessary to dismantle criminal networks and restore safety to affected communities.
The presidency reiterated that security agencies have been directed to sustain pressure on criminal groups and intensify ongoing operations aimed at rescuing victims and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja also reacted to the development, explaining that it had refrained from making public comments earlier because of the sensitive nature of the rescue efforts that were ongoing at the time.
Military authorities disclosed that operational considerations and the desire to ensure the safety of the hostages informed their decision to maintain silence while efforts were being made to secure the release of the retired officer and his wife.
Following confirmation of General Abubakar’s death, the military has vowed to escalate operations against the terrorists responsible for the abduction. Security officials said renewed efforts are underway to track down the criminal network involved in the incident and ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the law.
The armed forces also assured Nigerians that every available resource would be deployed to secure the release of the late General’s wife, who remains in captivity.
Military sources indicated that intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations are being strengthened in affected areas as part of a broader strategy to degrade the operational capacity of terrorist groups and kidnappers.
The death of General Abubakar has sparked outrage among many Nigerians, particularly within military circles, where he was widely respected for his years of service and commitment to national security. Many observers have described the incident as a tragic loss not only to his family but also to the nation he served diligently throughout his career.
Security analysts say the incident underscores the urgent need for sustained and coordinated efforts to address insecurity in vulnerable regions and protect citizens from the growing threat posed by criminal gangs and terrorist organisations.
As condolences continue to pour in from across the country, attention has now shifted to ongoing efforts to rescue the late General’s wife and bring those responsible for the abduction and killing to justice.
For President Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies, the tragedy represents yet another reminder of the importance of intensifying the fight against terrorism and kidnapping to ensure that such incidents do not continue to threaten the lives of innocent Nigerians.
