Tinubu mourns Rabe Abubakar, says govt won’t heed terrorists’ demand to release arrested members

President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria will not yield to terrorist demands for the release of arrested militants in exchange for kidnapped individuals. This firm stance comes after the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted on May 30 in Katsina State. Abubakar died on Saturday while in the custody of his captors.

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While the terrorists have done their worst, the president wants them to know that the government will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies.

According to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the terrorists had demanded the release of their colleagues held by security agencies as a condition for Abubakar's freedom. However, Onanuga stated, "While the terrorists have done their worst, the president wants them to know that the government will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies."

President Tinubu expressed deep shock and sadness over Abubakar's death and extended condolences to his family, particularly his wife, who is still being held captive. The president also offered sympathies to the Katsina State government and the armed forces. He reiterated his administration's commitment to combating terrorism, emphasizing that negotiations with such groups are off the table.

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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.

In a statement, Tinubu referenced his earlier remarks from June 12, warning that "Bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State." He added, "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 urged national unity in the fight against terror, asserting, "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."

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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.

General Abubakar's death, Tinubu stated, should serve as a pivotal moment in the nation's battle against terrorists and insurgents. He stressed the importance of treating them as "the greatest enemies of our dear nation, who should never be spared," reinforcing the government's policy of non-negotiation with terrorist organizations.

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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.