Retired Army General Rabe Abubakar Buried as Tinubu Confirms Wife Still Held by Bandits

Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, former spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, has been laid to rest in Katsina State after dying while in captivity following his abduction by armed bandits.

His burial, conducted according to Islamic rites on Saturday evening, drew family members, military officers, government officials and residents who gathered to pay their final respects to the late senior officer.

While his death has now been confirmed, uncertainty remains over the fate of his wife, who was abducted alongside him and is yet to regain freedom.

President Bola Tinubu, reacting to the development, extended condolences to Abubakar’s family, the Katsina State Government and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

In a statement released by the Presidency, the President described the retired general’s death as another painful reminder of the country’s prolonged security challenge and reaffirmed the government’s refusal to negotiate with terrorists through prisoner exchanges.

According to the statement, the Federal Government would not yield to demands seeking the release of detained terrorist elements in exchange for hostages.

Tinubu characterised the late general’s death as symbolic of Nigeria’s ongoing confrontation with terrorism and insurgency, stressing that criminal groups operating across the country must continue to be treated as enemies of the state.

Abubakar was reportedly travelling to his hometown in Katsina alongside his wife when both were intercepted and abducted.

Earlier, the Katsina State Government confirmed that the retired military officer died while being held captive.

The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, said preliminary findings indicated that Abubakar suffered complications linked to underlying health conditions, including diabetes and hypertension, during captivity.

Mu’azu noted that security agencies and the state government had maintained efforts aimed at securing his release before news of his death emerged.

Governor Dikko Radda also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family, describing the incident as another difficult moment in Katsina’s struggle against insecurity.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in its reaction, expressed sadness over the loss and praised the late officer’s years of service to the country.

In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described Abubakar as an officer whose career reflected commitment to national service, military professionalism and counter-insurgency operations.

The Defence Headquarters further disclosed that it intentionally avoided public commentary after news of the abduction surfaced in order not to compromise ongoing rescue operations.

According to the military, operational resources had been mobilised with the hope of achieving his safe release.

The DHQ added that despite the tragic outcome, security forces remain committed to intensifying operations against terrorist and criminal groups across the country.

Abubakar’s death has renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of northern Nigeria, where kidnapping for ransom and armed attacks continue to threaten communities and travellers.

The incident also raises fresh questions about the vulnerability of even high-profile citizens and retired security personnel in areas heavily affected by banditry.

His passing now joins a growing list of cases that continue to fuel national debate over the effectiveness of current security measures and the urgency of long-term solutions.

Meanwhile, concern remains focused on securing the release of his wife and ensuring accountability for those responsible.

For many Nigerians, Major General Rabe Abubakar’s death represents more than the loss of a retired military officer—it reflects the persistent cost of insecurity on families, institutions and national morale.

As tributes continue to pour in, attention now shifts to ongoing efforts to rescue his wife and sustain pressure against criminal networks operating across affected regions.