DHQ Confirms Death of Ex-Military Spokesman Rabe Abubakar in Captivity, Vows Relentless War Against Terrorists
By Matthew Eloyi
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while in captivity after being abducted by his captors.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, described the late senior military officer as a patriotic soldier whose service to the nation left an enduring legacy in the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
The military expressed its deepest condolences to the Abubakar family, his colleagues and Nigerians, noting that the late general served the country with distinction in several strategic appointments, including as spokesman for various military formations and as Director of Defence Information.
According to the statement, Major General Abubakar made significant contributions to Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaign and the professional development of the Armed Forces.
“His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the Defence Headquarters said.
The military disclosed that it deliberately refrained from making public comments on his abduction while efforts were underway to secure his freedom.
“The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the Armed Forces and sister security agencies. Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return,” the statement added.
The death of the retired general, according to the military high command, has further reinforced the resolve of the Armed Forces to intensify operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups threatening national security.
The Defence Headquarters said ongoing military operations across the country had been strengthened in response to the wave of abductions, including that of the late senior officer, with a renewed commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and bringing those responsible to justice.
“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 military assured Nigerians that it would not relent in its efforts until peace and security are restored across the country.
“We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorist activities across the nation are held to account,” the statement concluded.
The passing of Major General Abubakar marks the loss of one of the military’s prominent public affairs officers, whose career spanned several key assignments in the nation’s security architecture.