DHQ mourns ex-general killed in captivity, vows intensified operations
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Defence Headquarters mourned the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died in captivity after being abducted with his wife.
- Abubakar was kidnapped in May while traveling in Katsina State, and a video later showed him appealing for the release of bandits.
- The military vowed to intensify operations against criminal elements and terrorists across the country in response to the incident.
The Defence Headquarters has announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who was abducted and subsequently died in captivity. The military high command expressed deep regret over the tragic loss and pledged to intensify ongoing operations against criminal elements nationwide.
The Defence Headquarters regrets to announce the passing of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Retired), who tragically lost his life in captivity following his abduction.
Abubakar and his wife were reportedly kidnapped in May while traveling through Katsina State. A video that surfaced on June 6 showed the retired general appealing to the Katsina State Government for the release of detained bandits and livestock. The Defence Headquarters stated that it had withheld public comment on the abduction to avoid compromising rescue efforts.
His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the AFN.
In a statement, the Defence Headquarters described Abubakar as an officer who served the nation with distinction, contributing significantly to counter-insurgency operations and military professionalism. His commitment to duty and national unity was highlighted as a shining example for all Armed Forces personnel. The military assured Nigerians that it would not relent in its efforts to restore peace and security across the country, emphasizing that the incident has strengthened its resolve to bring perpetrators to justice and dismantle terrorist networks.
The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the AFN and sister security agencies.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.