The death of retired Major General Kola Rabe Abubakar in the custody of bandits has triggered fresh criticism of the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity, with former military officers describing the incident as a disturbing reflection of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday expressed sadness over the death of the former Director of Defence Information, who was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State.
Abubakar’s kidnapping was made public on May 30. Days later, the abductors released a video in which they demanded the release of three detained fighters and the return of livestock allegedly seized during military operations before they would free the retired general and his wife.
In the four-minute footage, the couple appealed to the Katsina State Government to meet the conditions set by the kidnappers.
However, the Katsina State Government confirmed on Saturday that the retired military officer had died while in captivity.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, the government disclosed that Abubakar died after suffering complications related to diabetes and hypertension during his ordeal.
Reacting to the development, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fighting terrorism and kidnapping, insisting that criminal groups would not succeed in forcing the government into concessions.
According to a statement from the Presidency, the President described the tragedy as a painful reminder of the security challenges confronting parts of the country.
He warned terrorists, bandits and kidnappers to surrender or face decisive action from security agencies.
“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. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
The President also urged Nigerians to remain united, expressing confidence that the country would eventually overcome 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 added.
Army officers knock FG over insecurity
Despite the President’s assurances, retired military officers expressed frustration over the circumstances surrounding Abubakar’s death, describing it as a national embarrassment.
A retired Brigadier-General, Bashir Adewinbi, said the incident projected a negative image of Nigeria to the international community and raised questions about the safety of citizens.
“It is a very bad message to the international community regarding the security situation in this country. It suggests that everyone, not just retired generals, may have to defend themselves by any means available,” he said.
Adewinbi described the development as unfortunate and heartbreaking, noting that a senior officer who dedicated his life to defending Nigeria should not have ended up dying in captivity.
He called for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture, including the deployment of modern technology and stronger collaboration among security stakeholders.
Another retired officer, Brigadier-General John Sura, described the incident as a painful reminder that no Nigerian is immune to the threat posed by criminal groups.
“It could have happened to anyone. If a retired general can be abandoned to terrorists, then senators, governors and other prominent citizens are equally vulnerable,” he said.
Sura warned that such incidents could weaken confidence in the government’s ability to protect both serving and retired security personnel.
Army vows to nab culprits
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters vowed to intensify operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements responsible for insecurity across the country.
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 pledged to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The Defence Headquarters explained that it had refrained from making public comments about the abduction while efforts to secure his release were ongoing.
According to the military, security operations have already been stepped up nationwide in response to the growing wave of kidnappings and other security threats.
Former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, had equally condemned the death of Abubakar in captivity.
Mark, himself a retired brigadier-general, said the incident highlighted the deepening insecurity in the country and raised serious concerns about the safety of Nigerians.
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