President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while in captivity after being abducted alongside his wife by bandits in Katsina State.
The former Director of Defence Information was kidnapped on May 30, 2026, while travelling with his wife to their hometown in Katsina State.
Reports indicated that the retired senior military officer died in captivity following complications arising from diabetes and hypertension, while his wife remains in the custody of the kidnappers.
Reacting to the tragic development, President Tinubu extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the government and people of Katsina State, as well as the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing the incident as painful and unfortunate.
The President, however, reiterated his administration’s hardline stance against terrorism and banditry, declaring that the Federal Government would not negotiate with bandits or engage in any prisoner exchange arrangement.
According to him, the death of the retired general should further strengthen the nation’s resolve to decisively confront criminal elements threatening the peace and security of the country.
Tinubu maintained that there would be no compromise with terrorists and kidnappers, stressing that security agencies have been directed to deploy the full force of the state against those responsible for the wave of violence and abductions across the country.
He emphasized that surrender remains the only option available to criminal groups, warning that the government would neither succumb to blackmail nor reward acts of terror through negotiations or the release of detained suspects.
The President assured Nigerians that ongoing security operations would be intensified to ensure the safe rescue of victims still in captivity, including the late general’s wife, and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Major General Abubakar, who retired after a distinguished military career, was widely respected for his service to the nation and his contributions to strategic military communications.
His death has continued to attract condolences from political leaders, military officers and Nigerians across the country, who have described the incident as a painful loss to the nation.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to defeating banditry and restoring lasting peace across all parts of the country.
