The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while in captivity after being abducted by terrorists.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) described the late senior officer as a distinguished soldier whose service to the nation left an enduring legacy.
The military extended its condolences to the family of the deceased, his former colleagues, and Nigerians at large, noting that Abubakar dedicated several decades to the service of the country and held numerous key appointments during his career.
According to the statement, the late officer served as spokesperson for several military formations and later as Director of Defence Information, where he acted as the spokesman of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Maj Gen Abubakar served the nation with distinction and made immense contributions to counter-insurgency operations, professional development of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and numerous other commendable and outstanding impacts,” the statement said.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed that it deliberately refrained from making public comments following his abduction in order not to jeopardise ongoing rescue efforts being undertaken by the military and other security agencies.
It stated that every available operational resource was deployed in an attempt to secure his safe release before his death.
The military described the development as a painful loss but stressed that it would not weaken its determination to confront terrorism and other security threats across the country.
“This sad loss further strengthens the resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. 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 statement added.
DHQ further revealed that ongoing military operations had been intensified in response to a series of abductions and terrorist activities across the country, including the kidnapping of the retired general.
It vowed to bring those responsible to justice and dismantle terrorist networks threatening national security.
The Armed Forces assured Nigerians that it would sustain its efforts until peace and security are fully restored and all perpetrators of terrorism are held accountable.
Major General Abubakar, a former military spokesman and respected senior officer, was abducted in Katsina State and subsequently died while being held by his captors, a development that has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of the country.
