The Defence Headquarters on Saturday mourned the death of a former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), who was abducted and later died in 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 reportedly kidnapped alongside his wife in May while travelling through Katsina State.
A video later surfaced on June 6 showing the retired general and his wife appealing to the Katsina State Government for the release of detained bandits and livestock.
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.
The Armed Forces assured Nigerians that it would not relent until peace and security are restored nationwide.
