Rabe Abubakar Death: Ex-Generals Blame FG as Tinubu Mourns Former Army Spokesman

By: Abudu Olalekan

A sudden silence fell when news came through – Major General Rabe Abubakar had passed away, taken by violence in Katsina. President Bola Tinubu spoke up afterward, voice heavy, honoring the man once known across Nigeria as the army’s public face. Though he’d left uniform behind long ago, his role remained fixed in memory. The cause? Kidnapped days prior by armed men roaming wild in the northwestern region. No dramatic rescue followed, only stillness. His departure marks another grim moment amid rising unrest tied to militia activity there. Words from the presidency offered recognition without embellishment – a life lived in service now closed.

That Tuesday in late May, Abubakar vanished – his wife taken too. Not long after, by early June, a short clip surfaced online, lasting just under five minutes. Whoever grabbed them spoke clearly: free three imprisoned militants, give back animals taken in raids. The footage dropped on the sixth, cold and exact in its terms.

On screen, Abubakar appeared beside his wife, their voices directed at the Katsina State Government as they urged compliance with the kidnappers’ terms.

By Saturday, news arrived from Katsina State officials – he was gone, taken while still held. Though once out of service, his role mattered deeply; now silence fills where leadership stood. Pain spread fast, felt beyond borders, touching more than just one community.

Out of the blue, news came through a note from Nasir Muazu, who handles security at home in Katsina State. He explained that Abubakar passed away due to health issues tied to high blood sugar and pressure, all while captors kept him locked up.

Out of nowhere came the president’s response – grief coloring his words after the attack. Not only did he call it heartbreaking, but he tied the loss to wider troubles across certain regions. Tough measures remain in place because of threats like kidnappings, violence, and militant raids. His message stood firm without leaning on empty phrases.

Besides issuing a warning through the State House, Tinubu told those fueling violence to give themselves up – otherwise, they’d meet every power the nation holds. A notice came down stating his position clearly: stop now or confront consequences without exception.

“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,” the President said.

Together, they can face terror’s shadow – unity will carry Nigeria forward. Through struggle, peace grows stronger each day.

“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,” Tinubu added.

Still, a few former military leaders point fingers at the national government. In their view, Abubakar’s killing reveals how shaky safety has become across the nation.

Bashir Adewinbi, once a Brigadier-General, pointed out that the event raised doubts abroad regarding how well Nigeria safeguards its people. Though he stepped away from active duty, his words carried weight, hinting at deeper concerns beyond borders. Because of what happened, questions now linger in foreign circles about national reliability when it comes to citizen safety.

“It is a very bad message to the international community, particularly about the security situation of this country. As it is now, everybody, not only retired generals, but everybody should defend themselves by any means,” he said.

It’s heartbreaking, Adewinbi said, that someone who gave years to national service should spend their final days locked away. A life of duty deserves better than chains at the end.

A fresh look at Nigeria’s security setup was urged, particularly emphasizing tech upgrades. Intelligence work needs sharper attention. Better links between agencies could make operations smoother. Focus shifted toward how data flows across departments. Outdated systems might slow responses. Closer teamwork may prevent gaps. Modern tools were mentioned as key support. Clarity in roles should reduce overlap. Communication delays came up repeatedly. Adjustments proposed aim at quicker decisions.

A former military leader, Brigadier-General John Sura, called the event deeply unsettling. Safety means nothing when someone like Abubakar can be taken – rank offers no shield.

“It is just an unfortunate incident. It could have been me, and it could have been any general. 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 said.

Fear might grow in active and former officers, he said, if these events keep happening – a sign they’re unsure whether the government truly backs their security.

Still, the Defence Headquarters says it will boost efforts targeting those behind Abubakar’s kidnapping and killing. Though quiet at first, now they’re moving faster. Because of what happened, pressure has grown. Since then, teams have shifted tactics. Following the incident, more units were deployed. Even so, results remain unclear. For now, actions are being closely watched.

From Abuja came news through Major General Samaila Uba, head of Defence Information, calling the passing of the former general deeply saddening. Though grief runs high, he stressed resolve remains unshaken in dismantling terror cells and outlawed groups nationwide.

While working to bring Abubakar home, officials stayed quiet, choosing silence over statements. The Defence Headquarters later said speaking out could have risked the mission. Instead of sharing details, they focused on actions behind closed doors. With talks still in motion, open replies were set aside. Only after progress was made did explanations begin to surface.

Security efforts have grown stronger since more people started getting taken across the country, especially after they grabbed the old retired general. The increase came right after those incidents began piling up in different regions. Authorities moved quickly once patterns showed a sharper trend. One key case involved someone well known from past military service. Steps were adjusted because threats kept shifting week by week. Movement restrictions appeared in certain zones without warning. Forces responded based on real-time alerts rather than fixed plans. Each decision followed new signs of danger emerging somewhere else.

Out of nowhere, David Mark spoke up – once Senate leader, now steering the African Democratic Congress. The passing of Abubakar hit hard, he said, shaking the whole country to its core.

Retired Brigadier-General Mark spoke up after what happened, worried about how safe people in Nigeria really are.

From the office of his Special Adviser, Kola Ologbondiyan, came word that Mark described Abubakar’s passing as more than grief for relatives and armed forces – it echoed how fragile safety has become across the country. Though quiet in tone, the message carried weight. Because behind one man’s fate lies a broader struggle. What happened cuts deeper when seen through the lens of national instability. Not just personal sorrow shapes this moment, yet what it says about protection failing everywhere. Even silence speaks loudly here.

“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. It raises serious concerns about the safety and security of every Nigerian citizen,” Mark said.