Nigeria will never bow to terrorists' demands, says Tinubu after General Rabe's death

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who died while being held captive by terrorists in Katsina State.

The President described the incident as tragic and extended his condolences to the late military officer’s family, the Katsina State Government, and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

According to the Presidency, General Abubakar, who retired from the military after a distinguished career of service, was travelling to his hometown when he was abducted by terrorists.

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In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu also sympathised with the family of the deceased, particularly his wife, who remains in captivity.

While mourning the retired general, the President reaffirmed his administration’s resolve not to yield to demands by terrorist groups seeking the release of their members currently in the custody of security agencies.

“The terrorists have done their worst, but the government will never bow to their demands to release their members held by our security agencies,” the President stated.

Reiterating his position on the fight against insecurity, Tinubu referenced his Democracy Day address of June 12, in which he warned criminal elements to surrender or face decisive action by the state.

“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,” he said.

The President urged Nigerians to remain united in the face of security challenges, expressing confidence that the country would ultimately overcome terrorism and insurgency.

“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 added.

Tinubu further described the death of General Abubakar as a defining moment in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism, stressing that terrorist groups must never be negotiated with but confronted as enemies of the nation.

“General Abubakar’s death should further serve as a defining moment in our battle against terrorists and insurgents, never to negotiate with them on any terms, but to continue to treat them as the greatest enemies of our dear nation, who should never be spared,” the President said.