Gen. Rabe’s death demands answers

The abduction and eventual death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar have once again exposed the frightening insecurity that has become a defining feature of life in many parts of Nigeria. More troubling is the fact that even a senior military officer who devoted 35 years of his life to serving the nation was unable to […]

The abduction and eventual death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar have once again exposed the frightening insecurity that has become a defining feature of life in many parts of Nigeria. More troubling is the fact that even a senior military officer who devoted 35 years of his life to serving the nation was unable to escape the reach of criminal elements.

On June 13, the Katsina State Government announced the death of the former spokesman of the Defence Headquarters, who had been held captive by bandits since May 30 alongside his wife. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, the government attributed the retired general’s death to complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.

The announcement immediately generated widespread grief. However, it also raised disturbing questions that have yet to be satisfactorily answered.

Days before news of his death emerged, a video had circulated on social media showing the retired general in a visibly distressed and frail condition. In the footage, he appeared disoriented and weak while conveying demands reportedly made by his captors. The video evoked sympathy, anger and concern among Nigerians, many of whom wondered how a retired senior military officer could be subjected to such humiliation and helplessness.

When news of his death followed shortly afterwards, the grief quickly gave way to public outrage.

One of the major questions raised concerns the government’s assertion that General Rabe died from diabetes and hypertension. Many Nigerians wondered how such a conclusion could be reached before an autopsy was conducted. Medical science requires evidence before a definitive cause of death can be established, especially in a case involving kidnapping, prolonged captivity and possible physical or psychological trauma.

Equally troubling was the issue of how the deceased’s body was returned. Who delivered the corpse? Under what circumstances was it handed over? Were those involved questioned by security agencies? These are not frivolous questions. They are fundamental issues that should form part of any serious investigation into a high-profile abduction and death.

The concerns deepened when the late general’s son, Isiyaka Rabe, publicly disputed the official explanation. In an interview, he stated that his father had no known history of diabetes or hypertension and suggested that the retired officer may have died from a heart-related condition. Whether his assertion is ultimately proven correct is beside the point. The contradiction itself underscores the need for a transparent and credible inquiry.

The tragedy also raises questions about the level of urgency attached to securing the release of kidnapped public servants and security personnel. Before General Rabe’s death, there had been several cases involving military personnel who were either killed in the line of duty or abducted by criminal groups. Some were eventually rescued, while others regained freedom after interventions by authorities or family members.

A prominent example was the abduction of former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), who spent months in captivity before eventually regaining freedom. That case should have provided valuable lessons on crisis management, intelligence gathering and rescue operations involving high-profile victims.

Unfortunately, many Nigerians believe that sufficient lessons were not learned. The handling of General Rabe’s ordeal has left an impression of uncertainty and inconsistency. The absence of a comprehensive public explanation regarding the circumstances of his captivity, death and the return of his remains has only fuelled suspicion and public dissatisfaction.

This is particularly painful because General Rabe was not an ordinary citizen. He was a distinguished officer who rose through the ranks to become a Major-General and served as spokesman of the Defence Headquarters. His service deserved recognition, dignity and unwavering commitment from the institutions he once served.

Beyond the circumstances of his death, the incident highlights a broader and deeply troubling pattern. In recent years, Nigeria has lost several senior military officers under tragic circumstances.

Brigadier-General Dzarma Zirkusu was killed in November 2021 during an ISWAP ambush in Borno State. Brigadier-General Musa Uba later met a similar fate after being captured by insurgents and subsequently killed. More recently, Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah lost his life during a terrorist attack on a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State.

These incidents illustrate the enormous sacrifices being made by military personnel in the defence of the country. They also demonstrate the increasingly sophisticated nature of the threats confronting Nigeria’s security forces.

Military officers, including senior commanders, continue to lead troops from the front. Their willingness to do so reflects courage and commitment, but it also exposes them to extraordinary risks. When such officers are killed, kidnapped or subjected to degrading treatment, it affects not only their families but also the morale of serving personnel.

A nation owes a special duty of care to those who risk their lives in its defence. That duty does not end upon retirement. If anything, the treatment of retired officers sends a powerful message to those currently serving. When veterans are abandoned to their fate, confidence in the system is weakened. Conversely, when the nation demonstrates commitment to protecting and honouring its defenders, it strengthens morale and reinforces the values of service and sacrifice.

The death of General Rabe should therefore serve as a wake-up call. It should prompt a thorough review of the country’s response mechanisms to kidnapping, particularly in cases involving military personnel and other high-profile citizens. It should also inspire renewed efforts to tackle the insecurity that continues to plague many communities across the country.

We strongly support calls for a full-scale, independent inquiry into the abduction and death of General Rabe, as well as other high-profile cases involving military officers. Such investigations should not be undertaken merely to assign blame but to identify lessons, close operational gaps, and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Nigeria cannot afford to normalise the kidnapping and death of those who dedicated their lives to defending the nation. General Rabe’s death is one too many.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and associates. We also thank Almighty Allah for the safe rescue of his wife and pray that He grants the late general eternal rest and comforts all those affected by this painful loss.