By Joy Yesufu
Funeral prayers were held in Katsina on Saturday for retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former military spokesman who died in captivity after being abducted by terrorists.
The late senior officer was laid to rest amid an outpouring of grief from family members, military personnel, government officials, and residents who gathered to pay their last respects to a soldier widely regarded for his service to the nation.
Reports indicated that Abubakar’s wife, who was abducted alongside him, regained her freedom after the captors released her together with his body.
The development was disclosed by security and conflict analyst Bakatsine in a post on X, where he noted that mourners from different walks of life attended the funeral prayers in Katsina.
The burial came after the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed the death of the retired general and expressed condolences to his family, colleagues, and Nigerians.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described Abubakar as a distinguished officer who served the country with dedication in several strategic capacities, including as spokesman for various military formations and Director of Defence Information.
The DHQ noted that the late officer made significant contributions to counter-insurgency operations, military professionalism, and national security throughout his career.
According to the military, it deliberately refrained from commenting publicly on his abduction while efforts were underway to secure his release, adding that all available operational resources were deployed during the rescue mission.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria said the tragic loss has further strengthened its resolve to combat terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the country.
It assured Nigerians that ongoing military operations against terrorist and criminal networks would be intensified, stressing that those responsible for acts of violence would be tracked down and brought to justice.
Abubakar’s death has once again highlighted the growing threat posed by kidnapping and terrorist activities, even as security agencies continue efforts to restore peace and safeguard lives across the country.
