Odita Sunday 
Defence Headquarters Mourns Ex-Army Spokesman Rabe Abubakar, Vows Relentless War Against Terrorism
By Odita Sunday
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while in captivity after being abducted, describing the development as a painful national loss and renewing the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to intensifying operations against terrorism and violent crimes across the country.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the military said the late senior officer served Nigeria with distinction and left behind a record of dedication, professionalism and sacrifice in service to the nation.
According to the statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director Defence Information, the Armed Forces of Nigeria expressed deep condolences to the Abubakar family, colleagues of the deceased and Nigerians at large.
The Defence Headquarters noted that Major General Rabe Abubakar held several strategic appointments during his military career, including serving as spokesperson for different military formations and later as spokesman for the Armed Forces of Nigeria in his role as Director Defence Information.
It stated that the retired General made significant contributions to counter-insurgency operations, strengthened the professional development of the Armed Forces and played notable roles in advancing national security objectives.
The military explained that it deliberately refrained from making public comments during the period of his abduction in order not to compromise ongoing rescue efforts being coordinated by the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
“Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return,” the statement said.
The Defence Headquarters said the tragic incident has further strengthened the resolve of the Armed Forces to continue executing its constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, preserving territorial integrity and protecting citizens.
It added that in response to the growing incidents of abduction across the country, including the kidnapping of Major General Abubakar, security operations have been intensified to ensure those responsible are brought to justice and terrorist networks dismantled.
The military assured Nigerians that it would remain steadfast in its operations until peace and security are fully restored and perpetrators of terrorist activities across the country are held accountable.
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