Group mourns ex-army general, opposes amnesty for terrorists

The Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (PASNAFOSA) has expressed profound grief over the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information. Abubakar reportedly died while in the custody of kidnappers in Katsina State, a tragic end for a man who dedicated his life to Nigeria's security.

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It is both painful and disturbing that a man who dedicated his career to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and fighting insecurity should become a victim of the same criminal elements threatening the peace and stability of our country.

The retired general was allegedly abducted along with his wife while traveling in the Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina. Reports indicate he succumbed to complications from diabetes and hypertension during his captivity. PASNAFOSA condemned the circumstances of his death, calling it a painful irony that a senior military officer devoted to combating insecurity became a victim of the very criminal elements threatening the nation's peace.

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Major General Rabe Abubakar served Nigeria with honour, professionalism, courage and utmost loyalty. His death is not only a great loss to his immediate family but also to Katsina State, the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation as a whole.

Ambassador Mary Abayomi-Fatile, Convener of PASNAFOSA, described Abubakar as a dedicated patriot who served Nigeria with "honour, professionalism, courage and utmost loyalty." The organization stressed that his death is a significant loss not only to his family and Katsina State but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation as a whole. The group urged the federal government and security agencies to intensify their efforts against kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism, demanding that those responsible for the general's abduction and death face justice.

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We call on the Federal Government, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that those responsible for his abduction and death, as well as their sponsors, are identified, apprehended and brought to justice.

Furthermore, PASNAFOSA reiterated its strong opposition to granting amnesty to "repentant" terrorists without adequate accountability. The organization voiced concerns about reintegrating former Boko Haram members into communities, emphasizing that "justice, accountability and the security of innocent Nigerians must remain paramount." They asserted that the sacrifices of military and security personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty should not be undermined.

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While recognising the importance of rehabilitation programmes where necessary, we maintain that justice, accountability and the security of innocent Nigerians must remain paramount.