Defence Headquarters Mourns Former Military Spokesman Rabe Abubakar, Vows Crackdown on Kidnappers

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while in captivity after being abducted by unknown gunmen, describing the development as a painful loss to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the military was deeply saddened by the death of the retired senior officer, who served the country in several strategic capacities during his distinguished military career.

The Armed Forces extended its condolences to the family of the late general, his colleagues and Nigerians, noting that Abubakar’s contributions to national security and military professionalism would remain indelible.

“Maj. Gen. Abubakar served the nation with distinction and held many appointments, including spokesperson of various military formations as well as spokesman for the Armed Forces of Nigeria as Director Defence Information,” the statement said.

According to the Defence Headquarters, the late officer played significant roles in counter-insurgency operations and the professional development of the military, while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to national unity and service.

The military explained that it had deliberately refrained from making public comments about the abduction while efforts were ongoing to secure his release.

“The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria and sister security agencies. Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return,” the statement added.

DHQ said the tragic death of the retired general would further strengthen the resolve of the military to confront insecurity across the country and bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.

The military noted that security operations have been intensified in response to the increasing incidents of abductions and other criminal activities nationwide, including the kidnapping of the retired officer.

It vowed to sustain efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks threatening the country’s peace and stability.

“This sad loss further strengthens the resolve of the Armed Forces. We will remain resolute in the discharge of our constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria and to protect all citizens,” the statement said.

The Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would not relent in its operations until peace and security are fully restored and those responsible for acts of terrorism and kidnapping are brought to account.

The death of Major General Abubakar has sparked renewed concern over the security situation in parts of the country, particularly the growing threat posed by kidnappers targeting both public figures and ordinary citizens.

Abubakar, a respected military officer and former Defence spokesman, was widely known for his role in communicating the activities and operations of the Armed Forces during critical periods of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaign.

His death marks the loss of another prominent figure in Nigeria’s security community and underscores the continuing challenge posed by criminal and terrorist groups operating across the country.