‘No Negotiation With Terrorists’ – Tinubu Reacts To Death Of Retired Major General

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.

The tragic development was confirmed on Saturday by the Katsina State Government, which described the late military officer’s death as a significant loss to his family, the state, and the nation at large.

According to the state government, General Abubakar died while in captivity after suffering complications related to diabetes and hypertension. The retired army officer had been abducted by bandits while travelling to his hometown.

Reacting to the news, President Tinubu, through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said he was shocked and saddened by the retired officer’s death.

The President noted that General Abubakar had served the country with distinction throughout his military career before retiring from active service a few years ago.

Tinubu extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, particularly his wife, who remains in the custody of the kidnappers. He also sympathised with the Katsina State Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and all those affected by the tragedy.

While mourning the retired general, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to combating terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the country.

According to the statement, the government would not yield to pressure from criminal groups by releasing detained terrorists or bandits 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.

Tinubu also referenced his Democracy Day address, in which he warned criminal groups to surrender or 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,’” the statement quoted the President as saying.

The President called on Nigerians to remain united in the fight against insecurity, expressing confidence that the country would eventually overcome terrorism and other security threats.

“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 stated.

Tinubu further described the late general’s death as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by terrorists and insurgents, insisting that the country must remain resolute in confronting them.

He maintained that criminal groups responsible for kidnappings, killings, and acts of terror should continue to be treated as enemies of the state and dealt with accordingly.

The death of Major-General Abubakar has once again drawn attention to the persistent security challenges facing parts of northern Nigeria, where kidnapping for ransom and bandit attacks continue to pose significant threats to residents and travellers.