Atiku: Insecurity Growing Under Tinubu as Retired Army General Dies in Bandit Captivity

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said that Nigeria is losing hard‑won gains against terrorism and banditry under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In a statement released by his media office on Sunday, Atiku cited the death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe while in captivity and a recent attack on schools in Chibok, Borno State, as evidence that insecurity is worsening across the country.

He said the army officer’s death is a painful reminder of the vulnerability of Nigerians, including those who once served in the nation’s security forces.

“It is with profound sadness and deep anger that we mourn the death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, a distinguished former Army Spokesperson and Director of Defence Information, who tragically passed away while in the captivity of bandits.”

“General Rabe devoted the better part of his life to defending Nigeria. He served this country with honour, courage, and distinction. That such a man could end up dying in the hands of criminals is both heartbreaking and unacceptable,” he said.

The ex‑army spokesman was abducted with his wife on May 30 in Katsina State. Reports indicate that the retired officer died in captivity after complications linked to diabetes and hypertension.

“His death marks yet another painful blow to our nation’s security architecture and a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of even our most experienced military leaders in the face of rampant banditry and terrorism.”

“General Rabe’s ordeal is not an isolated case. In recent times, other senior military officers and distinguished Nigerians have either been killed or subjected to similar traumatic experiences at the hands of criminal gangs,” he added.

Atiku said the attack on schools in Chibok on the same day Nigerians learned of Rabe’s death underscored the persistence of insecurity.

“As Nigerians mourned the passing of a retired Major General in the captivity of bandits, terrorists were simultaneously attacking the Kautikari community in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State and setting primary and secondary school facilities ablaze.”

“Chibok is not just a location; it is a national scar. Since the abduction of more than 270 schoolgirls in April 2014, the name has become a symbol of pain, loss, and collective trauma. Twelve years later, many families have still not fully recovered from the emotional devastation of that tragedy,” he lamented.