Associates blame weak security for retired general's death
Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, has died in the captivity of bandits who kidnapped him alongside his wife in Katsina State. His wife was later rescued, but he didn't make it.
On Thursday, his coursemates, colleagues, and associates publicly mourned him and used the moment to demand stronger action on insecurity. They were represented by retired Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi, Ambassador A. Mohammed Musawa, and retired Air Commodore Yusuf Anas.
They described Abubakar as a disciplined and dedicated military professional. But they also said his death is a stark reminder of how bad insecurity has become in Nigeria.
"No nation can defend our country for us," the group said, stressing that foreign assistance can only complement a strong domestic security framework.
The kidnapping and its aftermath
Abubakar and his wife, Hajia Amina Rabe Abubakar, were taken from the Matazu area of Katsina State. While security forces managed to free his wife, the retired general died while still in the hands of his captors.
The associates acknowledged efforts by the Federal Government and Katsina State Government to secure the release of his wife. They also noted the President's condemnation of the killing and his renewed commitment to tackling insecurity. But they warned that the incident shows a deepening crisis where even former top military officers aren't safe.
A national crisis, not
a regional one
The group urged Nigerians to avoid ethnic or political interpretations of the insecurity. They stressed that terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping are national problems requiring collective action.
According to them, insecurity has spread so far that it's becoming hard to tell which areas are still peaceful. Citizens, including schoolchildren, are increasingly vulnerable to abductions.
They blamed successive governments for struggling to contain the crisis due to weak policy implementation, poor coordination, and limited political will.
What the associates are demanding
The group called for stronger security institutions, improved funding for operations, and a more proactive counterterrorism strategy. They also cautioned against unregulated calls for citizens to bear arms for self-defence, warning that such measures could worsen the proliferation of illegal weapons.
They want enhanced border security and stronger regional cooperation with neighbouring countries to curb the flow of arms fueling violence. The 19 northern governors were urged to develop a coordinated regional security strategy targeting illegal arms possession, terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
Citing international examples like Italy and Sri Lanka, the group said Nigeria must demonstrate stronger political will and decisive leadership to defeat violent criminal networks.
They also appealed for improved welfare support for families of serving and retired security personnel affected by terrorism or killed in active service. And they called for intensified efforts to secure the release of all Nigerians still held by abductors.
Who was Major General Rabe Abubakar?
Abubakar served as Director of Defence Information, the military's top spokesperson, before retiring. He was widely known in military circles and had built a reputation as a disciplined officer. His death in captivity has shocked many, especially given his rank and service record.