DHQ speaks on death of ex-general in bandits den

The Defence Headquarters has reacted to the death of a former Director of Defence Information, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, in bandits’ captivity.

The military high command also vowed to intensify ongoing operations aimed at tracking down those responsible and other criminal elements across the country.

Abubakar was kidnapped alongside his wife in May while travelling from Kaduna to Katsina State.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Defence Headquarters described Abubakar’s death as a tragic loss.

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

The military said Abubakar served the nation with distinction in various capacities, including as spokesman for military formations and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The DHQ noted that the late officer contributed significantly to counter-insurgency operations, military professionalism and national development.

“His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the AFN,” the statement added.

According to the statement, the Defence Headquarters deliberately avoided public comment on the abduction while rescue efforts were ongoing.

“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,” Uba stated.

The military said the incident had further strengthened its resolve to intensify operations against insecurity across the country.

“In response to a 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,” Uba said.

Dateline Nigeria reports that while in captivity, the retired major general’s captors released two different videos showing him in an unidentified forest.

In the first video, which he appeared alongside his wife, they called on the Federal and Katsina State governments to help secure their release by freeding some arrested bandits. In the second video, the general, who was shown together with his wife and other captives, appeared with a wounded limp