The Defence Headquarters has paid tribute to the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), describing him as a distinguished officer whose decades of service to Nigeria left an enduring mark on the military and the nation’s security architecture.
A delegation led by the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General IM Abdullahi, visited both the family of the former Director of Defence Information and the Katsina State Government on Sunday to convey the condolences of the Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The visit followed the death of the retired general, who was abducted and later died in captivity, prompting renewed pledges from the military to intensify efforts against those responsible.
At the family residence in Katsina, Abdullahi described Abubakar as a patriotic and dedicated officer who served the country with distinction throughout a military career spanning more than three decades.
“Major General Abubakar served the Nigerian Army and the nation meritoriously for over three decades. His years of dedicated service and sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.
The army chief added that the deceased had made significant contributions to the development of both the Nigerian Army and the country’s broader security framework. He also assured the family that security agencies would continue efforts to ensure that those responsible for the retired officer’s death are brought to justice.
In a symbolic gesture, Abdullahi presented a national flag to the family in recognition of the late general’s service and sacrifice to the nation.
Responding on behalf of the family, Alhaji Dikko Mu’azu Ruma, the Gado da Masun Katsina, thanked the Chief of Defence Staff and the Armed Forces for their support during what he described as a difficult period.
“On behalf of the entire family, the good people of Batsari Local Government Area and indeed Katsina State, we sincerely thank the Chief of Defence Staff and the Armed Forces of Nigeria for standing by us, especially during this trying period,” he said.
Mu’azu reflected on the inevitability of death and prayed for the peaceful repose of Abubakar’s soul, while also wishing the visiting delegation a safe return journey.
Earlier, the military delegation had visited the Katsina State Government House, where they were received by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe on behalf of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.
Conveying the military’s condolences, Abdullahi described Abubakar’s death as a painful loss for Katsina State and the nation, noting that the retired officer remained one of the state’s most distinguished sons.
Jobe echoed those sentiments, saying the former general’s death represented a significant loss not only to Katsina but also to Nigeria as a whole. He said Abubakar’s commitment to national service and the defence of the country would continue to inspire future generations.
