By: Ganiyu Olayinka
Funeral prayers for retired Major General Rabe Abubakar were held in Katsina on Saturday, as family members, military officers, government officials and residents gathered to pay their final respects to the senior officer who died in the custody of bandits.
His wife, who had been held captive alongside him, was released by their abductors along with his body, according to reports by journalist Bakatsine, who covers conflict and insecurity across Nigeria’s North-West region.
The solemn ceremony came after the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) formally confirmed Abubakar’s death and conveyed condolences to his family, colleagues and Nigerians.
In a statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, the DHQ described the late officer as a distinguished soldier who served the nation with dedication in several key capacities including as spokesman for various military formations and as Director of Defence Information.
The military acknowledged his significant contributions to counter-insurgency operations, the professional development of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and a range of national assignments throughout his career.
The DHQ explained that it had deliberately withheld public comment on his abduction while rescue efforts were ongoing, noting that all available operational resources had been deployed in attempts to secure his release. Those efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful.
The Defence Headquarters added that security operations against terrorists and kidnappers had been intensified in the wake of a series of abductions across the country, including that of the retired general, and reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to restoring peace, protecting citizens and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Abubakar was abducted alongside his wife on May 30 while travelling through Katsina State. He died in captivity from complications of diabetes and hypertension, according to the Katsina State Government.