‘We Buried Our Father Without Our Mother’

Family members, relatives, friends and residents have expressed concern over the continued detention of the widow of late Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd), who remains at the hands of bandits days after the retired officer died in their custody.

The General’s death has generated widespread anger over insecurity in the country amidst calls for investigations into the trillions of naira allocated annually to defence and security operations.

Gen. Rabe was abducted alongside his wife, Hajiya Amina, by bandits on May 30 along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The retired army general died in captivity from complications related to diabetes and hypertension, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu.

But his family members and other sources countered the claim, saying the late major general had no history of diabetes.

They maintained that he died after being bitten by a snake while being held captive by the kidnappers.

His remains were buried on Saturday in Katsina according to Islamic rites after a funeral prayer attended by family members, senior military officers, government officials and residents.

Before his death, the retired general appeared in a video released by his captors, who demanded the release of some detained bandits and the return of seized livestock.

Gen. Rabe, who spoke briefly in the footage, appealed for efforts to promote peace, saying the abductors had indicated a willingness to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

Speaking with Daily Trust after his burial, his children said their father’s abduction and death in bandits’ den exposed the failure of the Nigerian state to protect its citizens.

The children said they were still struggling to come to terms with how a man who spent decades defending the nation could be abducted and left to die at the hands of bandits.

Recounting the family’s ordeal, Khadija Rabe Abubakar, said they initially believed their parents would be rescued alive.

“When we heard the news of our father’s death, we were shocked and heartbroken because we had hoped they would be rescued alive and unharmed, based on assurances from many quarters.

“We buried our father without our mother by our side. That pain is indescribable. Every day she remains in captivity deepens our trauma,” Khadija said amid tears.

She described the situation as emotionally devastating and appealed to security agencies to make the rescue of their mother a top priority.

“We are not asking for sympathy or special treatment. We are asking for responsibility. She must be rescued alive, and she must be rescued now. Every delay tells Nigerians that human lives no longer matter,” she said.

One of his sons, Isyaku Rabe Abubakar, said: “Our father devoted his entire adult life to the service of Nigeria.

“He served in difficult terrains, confronted armed enemies and endured years of separation from his family in defence of this country. It is painful and ironic that after all those sacrifices, the same country could not save him.”

A community leader in Katsina, Alhaji Halle Tudun Yanshanu, said rescuing the widow would be a fitting way to honour the late general’s service to the nation.

“If the government truly wants to show respect for this man’s sacrifice, then his wife must be brought back safely. Anything less will further weaken public trust,” he said.

A family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said efforts were once made to negotiate with the kidnappers.

“There was an attempt to negotiate. Six million naira was agreed upon, and one million naira was paid.

“But when they realised our father’s status, everything changed. That was when they began demanding the release of their members and the return of seized livestock,” the source said.

Meanwhile, a delegation from the Defence Headquarters, led by Major General I.M. Abdullahi on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, paid a condolence visit to the family at their Katsina residence on Sunday.

When contacted, the leader of the delegation said their mission was solely to sympathise with the family and declined to comment on broader security issues.

Late Gen. Rabe had no history of diabetes – Son

Isyaku, Gen. Rabe’s son, said that his father had no history of diabetes or high blood pressure, contrary to claims attributed to the Katsina State Government.

In an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), Isyaku said reports suggesting that his father died as a result of diabetes were inaccurate.

He noted that some people believed the late general may have died from a snake bite, based on the last video released by the kidnappers.

However, he said only God knows the actual cause of his father’s death.

While praying for the repose of his father’s soul, Isyaka described him as a deeply religious, peace-loving man who lived a simple life. He added that the late general died a hero.

When asked how the family received his father’s remains, Isyaka said he had no information on the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the body.

“When I announced the time for my father’s funeral prayer, many people began asking how the body was recovered. I told them I do not know and that they should direct such questions to the government,” he said.

Also, debunking a viral photo purported to be the corpse of the late General handed over by bandits, a credible source told Daily Trust that the body was dumped by road side of Karaduwa village inside some sacks and was later picked up by an ambulance sent by Katsina State Government and moved to Katsina for burial.

“Surprisingly security agencies this early morning raided the village ransacking every household and setting ablaze many houses. Karadua is close to where he and his wife were abducted. I learnt they couldn’t find any incriminating evidence. So sad,” the source added.

Retired General seeks unconditional release of Rabe’s widow

Retired Major General Umar I. Mohammed, a friend of Gen. Rabe, described the late former defence spokesman as a hardworking, disciplined and highly professional officer whose death in captivity should prompt serious national reflection.

In a chat with Daily Trust, Mohammed, who said he knew the late officer for 38 years, recalled meeting him when Rabe was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and posted to Maiduguri as Public Relations Officer of the 21 Armoured Brigade.

“Since then, I have known Rabe as an extraordinary person. He was highly professional, dedicated to duty and related well with people irrespective of rank, religion, tribe or gender,” he said.

The retired general said he was deeply saddened by the death of his longtime friend.

“I feel sad, traumatised and disturbed. I cried not only for Rabe but for the nation and the system he served all his life. For him to die in such a dehumanising manner calls for sober reflection.

“We must ask ourselves whether this should have happened and what could have been done to prevent it,” he said.

Mohammed said he believed the military did its best to secure Rabe’s release but argued that stronger warnings should have been issued to his captors.

“I expected the military to make it clear that nothing must happen to him or his wife and that there would be serious consequences if any harm came to them,” he said.

He called on the bandits to release the late general’s wife unconditionally and urged the government to demonstrate its ability to protect citizens.

“We should tell these bandits to release her unconditionally, and if they don’t, whatever happened to her, they should know that they are within this country and the long arm of the law will catch up with them. And the government should be firm,” he said.

Mohammed said the Nigerian Army remains a professional force but faces enormous security challenges due to the spread of bandit and insurgent camps across the country.

He said the military requires more manpower, drones, surveillance assets and modern weapons to effectively tackle insecurity.

Mohammed also blamed political interference in recruitment for weakening security institutions.

“When I joined the Army, recruitment was strictly merit-based. Today, some political actors influence the enlistment of people who are not fit for service. This affects discipline, professionalism and operational effectiveness,” he said.

He urged leaders to ensure only credible and trustworthy individuals are recruited into the armed forces and other security agencies.

“The government must show greater commitment to security through increased funding, recruitment and decisive action. It must demonstrate its ability to project force across the country and reclaim territories occupied by bandits and other criminal groups,” he added.

Failure to rescue widow will empower criminals – Security expert

Dr Yahuza Getso, a security expert, said the government must act swiftly to rescue the late general’s wife.

“If the state fails to rescue the widow promptly, it sends a dangerous message that criminal groups are stronger than the government,” he said.

Similarly, a former military intelligence officer, Abubakar Ibrahim, said anything short of decisive action could embolden criminal networks.

“The international community is watching. It is either we win this battle or face grave consequences,” he said.

Some residents in Katsina metropolis said the retired general’s death has deepened fears and reinforced a growing sense of vulnerability.

Malam Sama’ila Balarabe said, “This incident has shown us that insecurity respects no rank or status.

“If someone of his standing is not safe, then who is? People are afraid and are losing confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives.”

Another resident, Malam Bashir Usman Ruwangodiya, urged security agencies to take stronger action against criminal groups and warned against what he described as complacency among political leaders.

“It is high time the Federal Government took decisive action against insecurity. Anything short of that risks further loss of lives of serving and retired security personnel as well as innocent civilians,” he said.

Terrorists have done their worst – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed shock over the death of retired Major-General Abubakar Rabe, declaring that his administration would never bow to the demands of terrorists to release their allies in custody.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement on Saturday, said, “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.

“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.

“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 commiserated with the family of the retired General, especially his wife, who is still being held.

Also, the Defence Headquarters, in a statement issued Saturday by its Director of Information, Samaila Uba, described late Rabe as a committed officer who contributed immensely to counter-insurgency operations and professional development of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

The military said it deliberately withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to rescue efforts by the AFN and other security agencies, saying it had expended every resource in securing his safe rescue.

“Maj Gen Abubakar served the nation with distinction and held many appointments, including spokesperson of various military formations as well as spokesman for the AFN as Director Defence Information.

“He made immense contributions to counter-insurgency operations, professional development of the AFN and numerous other commendable and outstanding impacts. His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the AFN,” the statement said.

General’s death reflects a nation under siege – Atiku

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has described the death of Gen. Rabe in kidnappers’ captivity as evidence of a nation under siege.

In a statement on Sunday by his media office, Atiku said the death of the former Director of Defence Information was a “damning indictment” of the Federal Government’s failure to secure lives and property.

“General Rabe devoted the better part of his life to defending Nigeria. He served this country with honour, courage and distinction. That such a man could end up dying in the hands of criminals is both heartbreaking and unacceptable,” he said.

Atiku said the incident highlights the growing insecurity across the country and the vulnerability of citizens, including senior military officers.

He also expressed concern over reports that terrorists attacked the Kautikari community in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, burning educational facilities.

“Chibok is not just a location; it is a national scar,” he said, adding that the attack revived painful memories of the 2014 abduction of more than 270 schoolgirls.

Atiku said every school destroyed and every citizen held captive reflects the failure of the nation’s security system. He urged the Federal Government to take decisive and coordinated action to rescue victims, dismantle criminal networks and restore public confidence in the security architecture.

CISLAC demands probe of defence spending

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) described the death of retired Major General Rabe in bandits’ captivity as a tragic symbol of the country’s deepening security crisis.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC expressed grave concern over the persistent deterioration of security despite the trillions of naira allocated annually to defence and security operations.

He noted that the country continue to lose highly ranked military officers and security personnel in the line of duty, while criminal groups operate with increasing boldness across several regions.

The CISLAC Executive Director noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Democracy Day address, disclosed that the federal government had committed N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget, the largest security allocation in Nigeria’s history.

However, he argued that despite unprecedented spending on security, Nigerians continue to face daily threats from kidnappers, bandits and terrorists.

He further called for transparency and accountability in security spending, noting that despite huge annual budgetary allocations to defence and security agencies, insecurity continues to worsen.

Rafsanjani therefore demanded a comprehensive and independent audit of defence expenditure and security votes at both federal and state levels to determine whether public resources are being effectively utilised.

He also criticised the National Assembly for failing to exercise sufficient oversight over security spending and outcomes, arguing that increasing budgetary allocations without corresponding improvements in public safety raises serious questions about accountability.

The CISLAC Executive Director urged improvements in the welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity of security personnel, stressing the need for proactive, intelligence-led operations and measurable performance benchmarks.

7% disbursement for security equipment

Daily Trust had in April reported that the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force are grappling with gross underfunding, particularly in the acquisition of security and defence equipment, according to records from the federal government’s Open Treasury Portal.

Details of the 2025 budget performance posted on the portal showed that of the N20.56bn budgeted by the Nigerian Army for the purchase of security equipment, only N1.46bn, representing 7.11%, was disbursed as of December 31, 2025.

Of the N4.52trn total expenditure the army proposed for 2025, N1.17trn or 25.94% was disbursed as of the end of the year. For the Air Force, N238.32bn of its N1.25trn total expenditure was released, representing 19.04%.

Records on the Open Treasury portal further revealed that N4.85bn or 13.98% of the N34.71bn budgeted for the maintenance of aircraft, which are central to the NAF’s operations, was released as of December 2025.

This is a sharp contrast with N20.27bn disbursed for the running of the presidential air fleet, out of the N20.74bn budgeted, marking 97.76% implementation.

Of the N15.75bn budgeted for the purchase of NAF’s security equipment, N5.25bn was released during the period, representing 33.33%. The purchase of defence equipment suffered a major setback with N19.25bn or 6.45% released out of N298.44bn budgeted.

Timeline: Military officers killed, abducted

Before the abduction and death of retired Major General Rabe in kidnappers’ captivity, several senior and retired military officers had fallen victim to terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups across the country.

Senior officers involved in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East have also lost their lives in attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.

Retired Major General Mohammed Idris Alkali, a former Chief of Administration at Army Headquarters, was declared missing on September 3, 2018, while travelling from Abuja to Bauchi State.

He was attacked during a violent protest in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. Following weeks of military search operations, his remains were recovered from an abandoned well in October 2018. Several suspects were later arrested.

Former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (retd.), was shot dead by gunmen on December 18, 2018, along the Abuja–Keffi Expressway while returning from his farm. He was travelling with his driver when the attackers struck.

Retired Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Maisaka was killed alongside his grandchild when gunmen invaded his residence in Rigasa, Kaduna State, on November 8, 2021.

He was the former Director of Medical Training and Operations at Defence Headquarters.

Bandits abducted retired Colonel Rabi’u Garba Yandoto and his two children on the Gusau–Tsafe Road in Zamfara State on January 1, 2023.

The kidnappers initially demanded N50 million but reportedly accepted about N10 million after negotiations. The victims were released on January 10, 2023.

Retired Major General Richard C. Duru was kidnapped in Owerri, Imo State, in September 2023. His vehicle was stolen during the attack.

Despite reports that ransom was paid, he was later killed by his abductors. Police subsequently arrested suspects linked to the crime.

Retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere was stabbed to death by armed robbers who invaded his residence at Sunshine Homes Estate, Lokogoma, Abuja, on June 22, 2024.

Police later arrested four suspects who allegedly confessed to the killing.

Former NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retd.), was abducted on February 5, 2025, in Tsiga, Katsina State, alongside nine other residents.

He regained freedom on April 3, 2025, after spending 56 days in captivity.

Retired Major Joe Ajayi, 76, was abducted from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kogi State, on May 21, 2025. He died in captivity despite the payment of a reported N10 million ransom. His body was later recovered and buried.

In January 2026, retired Colonel Joseph Ajanaku was abducted from his residence in Plateau State.

His kidnappers reportedly demanded N200 million and threatened to kill him. However, security forces rescued him the same day during a covert operation in Bassa Local Government Area.

Boko Haram terrorists killed the Brigade Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh, Borno State, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and 17 soldiers during an attack that occurred on the night of April 9, 2026.

The insurgents reportedly invaded the three military formations with heavy gunfire and explosives, killing at least 18 soldiers and officers, including the General, and leaving several others critically injured.

In January this year, ISWAP insurgents attacked the military base in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area in Borno State, killing the camp commander, a Major.

The officer was leading about 30 soldiers on a foot patrol when they encountered insurgents who had planted explosives along their route. The attack reportedly forced troops to temporarily abandon the base, although some later returned.

In early March 2026, Boko Haram terrorists attacked the military camp in Kukawa, Borno State.

The attackers launched the assault in the middle of the night, killing the camp commander, Lieutenant Colonel Umar Faruq.

The insurgents also reportedly burnt several military vehicles and carted away ammunition.

A commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel S.I. Iliyasu, in Konduga, Borno State, was reportedly killed in March 2026 during attacks on military formations by Boko Haram terrorists.

Another attack occurred at the military camp in Mayanti, Bama Local Government Area.

During the assault, insurgents reportedly killed the camp commander, Major U.I. Mairiga.

ISWAP later released a video claiming responsibility and alleging that many soldiers were killed during the overnight operation. (Daily trust)