President Bola Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former senior Nigerian Army officer who died while being held captive by bandits in Katsina State, as retired military commanders criticised the government’s response to the country’s deepening security crisis.
Abubakar’s death, confirmed on Saturday by the Katsina State Government, has reignited concerns over the escalating threat posed by armed criminal groups across northern Nigeria and the apparent inability of the state to guarantee the safety of citizens — including former military officers.
The retired general was abducted alongside his wife on 30 May. Days later, his captors released a four-minute video in which the couple appealed to the Katsina State Government to meet the kidnappers’ demands. The bandits had demanded the release of three detained fighters and the return of livestock allegedly seized during security operations as conditions for their freedom.
In a statement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, the Katsina government said Abubakar died in captivity after suffering complications related to diabetes and hypertension.
Reacting to the development, Tinubu described the incident as a tragic reminder of the security challenges confronting parts of the country and reaffirmed his administration’s refusal to negotiate with terrorists and kidnappers.
According to a statement from the State House, the president warned that criminal groups would face the full force of the law if they failed to surrender.
“Bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” Tinubu said. “These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. And no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”
The president also sought to project confidence that the country would ultimately overcome its security challenges.
“As Nigerians, we must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” he said.
But Abubakar’s death prompted a wave of criticism from retired military officers, who described the incident as both painful and symbolic of the state’s struggle to contain insecurity.
Retired Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi said the killing sent a troubling message about Nigeria’s security environment, arguing that citizens increasingly felt compelled to protect themselves.
“It is a very bad message to the international community, particularly about the security situation of this country,” he said. “As it is now, everybody, not only retired generals, but everybody should defend themselves by any means.”
Adewinbi described the development as “very unfortunate” and “pathetic”, questioning how a senior officer who had served the country could end up dying in the custody of armed criminals.
He also called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture, including greater deployment of technology and improved coordination among security agencies.
Another retired officer, Brigadier General John Sura, said the incident highlighted the vulnerability of all Nigerians, regardless of status or position.
“It could have been me, and it could have been any general,” he said. “If this country can abandon somebody to the insurgents or the terrorists, it means even a senator, a governor, or any other person can fall prey.”
Sura warned that such incidents risk undermining confidence in the government’s commitment to protecting both serving and retired personnel.
The Defence Headquarters, meanwhile, pledged to intensify operations against terrorist and criminal groups. In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described Abubakar’s death as a tragic loss and vowed to pursue those responsible.
The military said it had deliberately avoided public comment while efforts to secure the retired officer’s release were ongoing, adding that security operations had already been stepped up in response to a growing wave of kidnappings across the country.
Former Senate President David Mark also described the death as a national tragedy, saying it reflected the scale of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
Mark, himself a retired brigadier general, expressed concern about the implications of the incident for ordinary citizens.
“The death of Major General Rabe Abubakar in captivity is not only a personal loss to his family and the military community but also a national tragedy,” he said in a statement issued through his special adviser, Kola Ologbondiyan. “It raises serious concerns about the safety and security of every Nigerian citizen.”
The death of the former Director of Defence Information is likely to intensify scrutiny of the government’s efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry and insurgency, which continue to threaten communities across large parts of northern Nigeria despite repeated military operations and official assurances.
