Tinubu Rejects Terrorists’ Demand to Release Detained Members and Mourns Gen. Abubakar

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Francis Sardauna in Katsina

President Bola Tinubu dismissed the demands of terrorists for the release of their detained members, declaring that his government would not yield to their pressure. The statement was issued through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following the death of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd.), who was held by bandits in Katsina.

“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,” Tinubu said. “As I said on June 12: ‘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.’ 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.”

He added, “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.” The president expressed shock at the death of the retired major general, who was abducted with his wife near the Matazu area of Katsina while traveling to a wedding. He offered condolences to the family, the Katsina State government and the armed forces.

The Katsina State Government confirmed the death and described it as a tragic loss to the state and the nation. The statement, released by Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Nasir Muazu, noted that the retired officer died from complications of diabetes and hypertension while in captivity. It also said that the state government and security agencies had made several attempts to secure his release, but were unsuccessful.

In a statement signed by Defence Information Director Major General Samaila Uba, the Defence Headquarters expressed regret at the passing of Major General Rabe Abubakar (retired). “Maj. Gen. Abubakar served the nation with distinction and held many appointments, including spokesperson of various military formations as well as spokesman for the AFN as Director Defence Information. He made immense contributions to counter‑insurgency operations, professional development of the AFN, and numerous other commendable and outstanding impacts. His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the AFN,” the statement read. It added that the Defence Headquarters had withheld public comment on his abduction to allow ongoing rescue efforts by the AFN and sister security agencies, and that every operational resource had been deployed in the hope of securing his safe return. “This sad loss further strengthens the resolve of the AFN. We will remain resolute in discharging our constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to protect all citizens. In response to a series of unfortunate abductions across Nigeria, including that of Maj Gen Abubakar, ongoing operations have since been further intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening our nation. We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorists’ activities across the nation are held to account,” the statement concluded.

Governor Dikko Umar Radda described the incident as a “dark moment” and underscored the urgent need for a stronger, more coordinated response to insecurity. He extended condolences to the family of the late general and affirmed the government’s commitment to working with security agencies to combat banditry in the state.

Meanwhile, the wife of the late Major General has been released by her captors. According to a reliable source, Mrs Abubakar was released alive to the Katsina State Government while her husband’s body was transported to Kaduna for burial. “Just got information that the bandits have handed over the corpse of Major General Rabe Abubakar to Katsina State government alongside his wife (who’s alive) and the corpse is on the way to Kaduna for burial later today,” the source said.

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress Senator David Mark also reacted to Abubakar’s death, describing it as a national tragedy and a painful reminder of the worsening security situation in the country.