Defence HQ Mourns General Rabe

The Defence Headquarters has mourned the passing of Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd) who lost his life in captivity exactly two weeks after his abduction in Katsina State. Rabe, a former Director of Defence Information, was kidnapped alongside his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, and their driver, Abdullahi Sa’idu, along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu […]

The Defence Headquarters has mourned the passing of Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd) who lost his life in captivity exactly two weeks after his abduction in Katsina State.

Rabe, a former Director of Defence Information, was kidnapped alongside his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, and their driver, Abdullahi Sa’idu, along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, on May 30.

The Katsina State Government confirmed his death in a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Muazu.

Expressing sadness over the death, the government said the deceased died from complications of diabetes and hypertension.

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Mourning the retired General, the Defence Headquarters, in a statement issued Saturday by its Director of Information, Samaila Uba, described late Rabe as a committed officer who contributed immensely to counter-insurgency operations and professional development of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

The military said it deliberately withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to rescue efforts by the AFN and other security agencies, saying it had expended every resource in securing his safe rescue.

“The Defence Headquarters regrets to announce the passing of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Retired), who tragically lost his life in captivity following his abduction.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) convey its deepest sympathies to the Abubakar family, his colleagues and all Nigerians.

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

The military assured that it would continue to remain resolute in defending the country and its citizens, adding that efforts had since been intensified to bring the perpetrators to justice and dismantle all terrorist network in Nigeria.

“This sad loss further strengthens the resolve of the AFN. 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.

“In response to 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 added.