Tinubu mourns Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, vows no concessions to kidnappers, as ex-military chiefs warn of deepening insecurity and national vulnerability

Anger and grief have trailed the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Army spokesman, who died while in bandits’ captivity after being abducted in Katsina State.

President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a painful reminder of Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, even as retired military officers openly blamed the government for failing to stem the tide of insecurity.

Abubakar was kidnapped on May 30 alongside his wife. Days later, on June 6, his captors released a video demanding the release of three detained fighters and the return of livestock seized during security operations as conditions for their freedom.

The Katsina State Government confirmed on Saturday that the retired general had died in captivity, citing complications from diabetes and hypertension.

In a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, the government described the development as a tragic loss to both Katsina State and the nation.

Reacting, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s hardline stance against terrorism and kidnapping, stressing that the government would not bow to pressure or negotiate with criminals.

“Bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should 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,” the President said.

He called for unity among Nigerians, expressing confidence that the country would ultimately overcome terrorism and insecurity.

However, the President’s position did little to calm outrage among retired senior military officers, who described Abubakar’s death as a damning indictment of the country’s security system.

Retired Brigadier-General Bashir Adewinbi said the incident sends a troubling signal globally about Nigeria’s ability to protect its citizens.

“It’s a very bad message to the international community,” he said, adding that the situation has deteriorated to the point where citizens may be forced to consider self-defense.

Adewinbi described the development as “pathetic” and “deeply unfortunate,” lamenting that a senior officer who dedicated his life to defending Nigeria ended up dying helplessly in captivity. He called for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture, including stronger deployment of technology.

Echoing similar concerns, retired Brigadier-General John Sura warned that the incident underscores the vulnerability of all Nigerians, regardless of status.

“It could have been anyone—any general, any senator, or any governor. If the state cannot protect its own, then no one is truly safe,” he said.

Sura added that such incidents raise serious concerns about the government’s commitment to safeguarding both serving and retired military personnel.

The killing has further intensified debate over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, with growing calls for urgent, decisive reforms to curb kidnappings and banditry across the country.