RismadarVoice Reporters, June 15, 2026
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has pledged that those responsible for the abduction and death of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar will be identified and prosecuted, describing the incident as a grave loss to the military and the nation.
Maj.-Gen. Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, was kidnapped alongside his wife on May 30 along the Katsina–Matazu road while travelling to his hometown. He later died in captivity on Friday, with his remains subsequently released by his abductors.
Leading a condolence delegation to Katsina State, the DHQ Chief Administration Officer, Maj.-Gen. I.M. Abdullahi, said the Armed Forces were working with relevant security agencies to ensure those behind the abduction are brought to justice.
He described the late officer as a distinguished soldier whose service and sacrifices to Nigeria would remain memorable, adding that his death was a painful blow to the military, his family, and Katsina State.
The delegation, which included senior military officers, was received by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe on behalf of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda. The state government pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to address rising insecurity, particularly banditry in the region.
A one-minute silence was observed in honour of the late general during the visit.
Katsina authorities confirmed that Abubakar died while in captivity due to complications linked to diabetes and hypertension. He was buried on Saturday in Katsina according to Islamic rites.
The family of the deceased expressed grief but said they had accepted his death as the will of God. His son, Isyaka Rabe-Abubakar, described him as a humble, religious man and a mentor who lived a quiet but impactful life.
He said the family believed he died a martyr and prayed for him to be granted eternal rest, while also calling for the safe return of his abducted wife, who remains in captivity.
The family, however, said they were uncertain about the exact cause of death, noting conflicting accounts, while emphasising that only God knows the full circumstances.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), said the abduction of a senior military officer by non-state actors reflects a dangerous decline in Nigeria’s security posture.
He warned that continued insecurity without decisive action could expose top government officials and deepen national vulnerability, urging a shift in counterterrorism tactics.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the incident as further evidence of worsening insecurity, calling for a national state of emergency on security and stronger coordinated action against banditry.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), also condemned negotiations with terrorists, describing them as illegal under Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws. He insisted that offenders should be prosecuted rather than granted concessions, warning that ransom-driven engagement undermines national security efforts.
The DHQ has reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the abduction and death continue.
