Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while in captivity after being abducted by unidentified assailants.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) expressed condolences to the family of the late senior military officer, his colleagues, and Nigerians at large.
According to the statement, Major General Abubakar served the country with distinction in several capacities during his military career, including as spokesperson for various military formations and as Director of Defence Information, where he served as the official spokesman of the Armed Forces.
The Defence Headquarters described him as a dedicated officer who made significant contributions to counter-insurgency operations, military professionalism, and national security efforts.
The military disclosed that it had refrained from making public comments about his abduction while rescue efforts were ongoing. It noted that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, deployed available operational resources in attempts to secure his release.
DHQ said the death of the retired general has further strengthened the military’s determination to tackle insecurity across the country.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in the discharge of their constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria and to protect all citizens,” the statement said.
The military added that operations against criminal and terrorist groups have been intensified following a series of abductions across the country, including that of the late Major General Abubakar.
It assured Nigerians that efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice would continue until peace and security are fully restored.
Major General Abubakar was widely regarded as a respected military officer whose service spanned several decades and included key roles in military communications and strategic operations.