President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who died while being held by terrorists in Katsina State.
Abubakar, a former senior military officer, was reportedly travelling to his hometown when he was abducted by armed criminals. His wife remains in captivity.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as shocking and extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the Katsina State Government and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
President Tinubu said the killing of the retired general would not weaken the government’s resolve to defeat terrorism and banditry.
“While the terrorists have done their worst, they should know that the government will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies,” the President said.
Reaffirming his administration’s hardline stance against criminal groups, Tinubu reiterated a warning he issued during his Democracy Day address.
“Bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever, and no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he stated.
The President called on Nigerians to remain united in the fight against insecurity.
“As Nigerians, we must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” he said.
Tinubu described Abubakar’s death as a defining moment in the country’s battle against terrorism, insisting that criminal groups must never be negotiated with.
“General Abubakar’s death should further serve as a defining moment in our battle against terrorists and insurgents, never to negotiate with them on any terms, but to continue to treat them as the greatest enemies of our dear nation, who should never be spared,” the President added.
He also expressed concern for the safety of the late general’s wife and other victims still in captivity, assuring Nigerians that security agencies would continue efforts to secure their freedom and bring the perpetrators to justice.