Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, has died in captivity weeks after he was abducted alongside his wife by bandits in Katsina State.
The Katsina State Government said Abubakar died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while being held by his abductors.
Reacting to the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu expressed sorrow over the retired officer’s death and reiterated his administration’s resolve to tackle terrorism and kidnapping, warning that bandits and their sponsors would face the full force of the law.
However, retired military officers have described the incident as a painful indictment of Nigeria’s security situation. Former generals said Abubakar’s death reflects the government’s failure to adequately protect citizens and even those who once served the nation at the highest levels.
Retired Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi called the development “pathetic” and a bad signal to the international community, while Brigadier General John Sura said the incident shows that no Nigerian, regardless of status, is immune to insecurity.
The Defence Headquarters has vowed to intensify operations against criminal groups, while former Senate President David Mark described the death as a national tragedy that raises serious concerns about the safety of all Nigerians.
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