President Bola Tinubu has expressed shock and grief over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who died while being held by kidnappers in Katsina State, describing the incident as a painful reminder of Nigeria’s lingering security crisis.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Saturday, Tinubu said he received news of the retired officer’s death with deep sadness and extended condolences to his family, the military community and the people of Katsina State.
The President’s reaction came hours after authorities confirmed that Abubakar died while still in captivity following his abduction alongside his wife in Katsina. His wife reportedly remains in the custody of the kidnappers.
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“President Bola Ahmed 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.
Tinubu described the retired general as a patriotic officer who served Nigeria with distinction before leaving active service.
According to reports, Abubakar was travelling to his hometown when armed men intercepted and abducted him. His wife was taken alongside him, while their driver reportedly escaped during the attack.
The President used the occasion to restate his administration’s hardline stance against kidnapping, banditry and terrorism, warning criminal groups that government would intensify operations against them.
“Bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” Tinubu said.
“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 death of the retired general has reignited concerns about insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in the North-West, where kidnappings for ransom and attacks by armed groups have continued despite ongoing military operations.
Katsina State authorities confirmed that Abubakar died while in captivity. The state government said preliminary information indicated that the retired officer suffered complications linked to diabetes and hypertension while being held by his abductors. Officials added that efforts by security agencies and the state government to secure his freedom were unsuccessful.
Before his death, a video circulated online showing the retired military officer and his wife appealing for intervention and calling for negotiations to secure their release.
The Defence Headquarters also mourned the former military spokesman, describing his death as a tragic loss to the Armed Forces and the nation. Military authorities pledged to sustain operations against bandits and other criminal elements across the country.
Tinubu said the tragedy should strengthen national resolve against violent groups and rejected the idea of making concessions to terrorists.
“General Abubakar’s death should serve as a defining moment in our battle against terrorists and insurgents,” he said, insisting that criminal groups must continue to be treated as enemies of the state.
The late Rabe Abubakar was widely known within military circles for his role as Director of Defence Information and his contributions to strategic communications during his years of service. His death has drawn widespread reactions from security stakeholders, political leaders and members of the public, many of whom have called for renewed urgency in tackling kidnapping and banditry across the country.
As security agencies continue efforts to secure the release of his wife, attention is likely to focus on the effectiveness of ongoing anti-banditry operations and broader efforts to restore safety on major roads and rural communities across northern Nigeria.
