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President Bola 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 after his abduction in Katsina State.
Abubakar, who was kidnapped alongside his wife on May 30, reportedly died in captivity following complications arising from diabetes and hypertension, according to the Katsina State Government.
His death has sparked outrage among retired military officers, who described the incident as a painful reflection of Nigeria’s worsening security challenges and questioned the government\'s ability to protect both citizens and former service personnel.
The circumstances surrounding the retired general’s abduction drew national attention after his kidnappers released a four-minute video on June 6. In the footage, Abubakar and his wife appealed to the Katsina State Government to meet the bandits’ demands, which included the release of three detained fighters and the return of livestock allegedly seized during security operations.
Confirming his death on Saturday, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, described the development as a tragic loss to both the state and the nation.
Reacting to the incident, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, insisting that the government would not yield to threats or blackmail from criminal groups.
In a statement issued by the Presidency, the President warned terrorists, kidnappers and their sponsors to surrender or face the full force of the law.
He stressed that the government remained determined to restore peace and security across the country, assuring Nigerians that the fight against criminality would continue until lasting victory is achieved.
Despite the assurances, several retired military officers voiced concern over the death of the former army spokesman, arguing that the tragedy exposes serious gaps in the nation\'s security architecture.
Retired Brigadier-General Bashir Adewinbi described the incident as deeply disturbing, saying it sends a negative signal about Nigeria’s security situation and the ability of the state to safeguard its citizens.
According to him, the killing of a retired senior military officer who once served the nation with distinction raises troubling questions about the safety of ordinary Nigerians.
Adewinbi called for an urgent overhaul of the country’s security framework, including the deployment of advanced technology and stronger collaboration among security agencies.
Another retired military officer, Brigadier-General John Sura, said Abubakar’s death highlighted the vulnerability of all Nigerians regardless of status or social standing.
He noted that if a retired general could fall victim to bandits and die in captivity, then no citizen could consider themselves immune from similar threats.
Sura warned that such incidents could undermine confidence in the state\'s commitment to protecting both serving and retired personnel who dedicated their lives to national service.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters expressed sadness over the retired general’s death and pledged to intensify military operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements across the country.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described the incident as a tragic loss and assured Nigerians that efforts to dismantle criminal networks would continue unabated.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed that it deliberately avoided public comments during the period of Abubakar’s captivity to avoid jeopardising ongoing efforts aimed at securing his release.
According to the military, security operations had already been stepped up in several parts of the country in response to the rising wave of kidnappings and bandit attacks.
Also reacting, former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, described the death of the retired officer as a national tragedy.
Mark, himself a retired brigadier general, said the incident reflects the depth of the security crisis confronting the country and raises serious concerns about the safety of citizens.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Kola Ologbondiyan, the former Senate President said the death of Major General Abubakar was not only a personal loss to his family and colleagues but also a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen national security.
He urged authorities to redouble efforts to confront criminal elements and ensure that Nigerians can live and travel without fear.
The late Major General Abubakar served as Director of Defence Information and was widely respected within military circles for his contributions to national security and public communication.
His death in captivity has renewed calls for stronger and more coordinated action to tackle banditry, kidnapping and insurgency across the country.
