Defence HQ Mourns the Death of Retired General Rabe Abubakar, Who Died While in Bandit Captivity

The Defence Headquarters has expressed sorrow over the death of General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), who had been held captive by bandits.

Daily Post reports that the retired army general and his wife were kidnapped a few weeks ago while en route to a wedding. Their driver was narrowly saved, though he sustained gunshot wounds, and their Peugeot 406 was riddled with bullets.

Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) conveyed its deepest sympathies to the Abubakar family, his colleagues and all Nigerians. He noted that General Abubakar served the nation with distinction and held several appointments, including spokesperson of various military formations and spokesman for the Armed Forces of Nigeria as Director of Defence Information.

The statement highlighted his significant contributions to counter‑insurgency operations, the professional development of the armed forces and numerous other commendable impacts.

According to the statement, “His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the AFN. The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the AFN and sister security agencies. Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return.”

The statement added that the sad loss further strengthens the resolve of the AFN, stating: “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.”

It further assured Nigerians that, in response to a series of unfortunate abductions across the country, including that of Maj Gen Abubakar, ongoing operations have been intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and dismantle all terrorist networks threatening the nation.

The AFN reiterated that it will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorist activities across the country are held to account.