President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while being held captive by terrorists in Katsina State, declaring that Nigeria will never negotiate with criminal groups or bow to their demands.
In a statement issued on June 13, 2024, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he was shocked by the tragic death of the retired military officer, describing it as a painful loss to the nation.
According to the statement, General Abubakar, who retired after a distinguished military career, was travelling to his hometown when he was abducted by terrorists.
President Tinubu extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, particularly his wife, who remains in captivity.
“The President commiserated with his family, especially his wife, who is still being held against her will by the captors,” Onanuga stated.
The President also sympathised with the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces over the loss of the retired senior military officer.
While condemning the actions of the terrorists, Tinubu insisted that the Federal Government would not succumb to pressure to release detained terrorists in exchange for hostages.
“While the terrorists have done their worst, the President wants them to know that the government will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies,” the statement said.
Reiterating his administration’s hardline stance against terrorism, the President recalled his Democracy Day address of June 12, stressing that criminals threatening Nigeria’s peace would face the full force of the law.
“As I said on June 12: ‘Bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. And no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,’” Tinubu stated.
The President called on Nigerians to remain united in the face of security challenges, expressing confidence that the country would ultimately overcome terrorism and insecurity.
“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.
Tinubu further described the death of General Abubakar as a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, insisting that terrorists must never be treated as partners for negotiation.
“General Abubakar’s death should further serve as a defining moment in our battle against terrorists and insurgents, never to negotiate with them on any terms, but to continue to treat them as the greatest enemies of our dear nation, who should never be spared,” the President declared.
