DHQ mourns death of retired Army General in bandits’ captivity

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Saturday confirmed the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died in captivity after being abducted by kidnappers.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, who described the late senior military officer as a patriotic soldier whose service to the nation left an enduring legacy in the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

The statement said the military expressed its deepest condolences to the Abubakar family, his colleagues and Nigerians, noting that the late general served the country with distinction in several strategic appointments, including as spokesman for various military formations and as Director of Defence Information.

According to the statement, “Major General Abubakar made significant contributions to Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaign and the professional development of the Armed Forces.

“His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

It explained that the military deliberately refrained from making public comments on his abduction while efforts were underway to secure his freedom.

According to the statement, “The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the Armed Forces and sister security agencies. Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return.”

It pointed out that the death of the retired general has further reinforced the resolve of the Armed Forces to intensify operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups threatening national security.

The statement further noted that ongoing military operations across the country had been strengthened in response to the wave of abductions, including that of the late senior officer, with a renewed commitment to dismantle terrorist networks and bring those responsible to justice.

According to it, “This sad loss further strengthens the resolve of the Armed Forces. We will remain resolute in the discharge of our constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria and to protect all citizens.”

The military assured Nigerians that it would not relent in its efforts until peace and security are restored across the country.

According to the statement, “We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorist activities across the nation are held to account.”

The late senior officer was recently abducted in Katsina State along with his wife, who is still being held by the abductors.