DHQ Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in Terrorists’ Captivity, Vows Relentless War Against Banditry.

DHQ Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in Terrorists’ Captivity, Vows Relentless War Against Banditry

June 13, 2026

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially confirmed the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a respected former Director of Defence Information and one-time spokesman of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, who died while being held captive by terrorists after his abduction.

The announcement, made on Saturday in Abuja, has sparked fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of the country and underscored the growing threat posed by criminal and terrorist groups targeting both ordinary citizens and prominent national figures.

In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described the death of the retired senior officer as a tragic and painful loss, not only to the Armed Forces of Nigeria but also to the nation he served with distinction for decades.

According to the statement, the military had deliberately maintained silence on the circumstances surrounding Major General Abubakar's abduction in order to avoid jeopardising ongoing rescue efforts.

The Defence Headquarters disclosed that all available operational resources were deployed in collaboration with relevant security and intelligence agencies in a determined effort to secure his release and ensure his safe return.

“Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return,” the statement noted.

Major General Abubakar was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected military communicators. Throughout his distinguished military career, he served in several strategic public relations and communication roles within the Armed Forces, eventually rising to become Director of Defence Information, the official spokesman of the Nigerian military.

His tenure was marked by professionalism, dedication, and a commitment to ensuring effective communication between the military and the Nigerian public, particularly during some of the country's most challenging security operations.

Beyond his role as a spokesperson, the retired general played significant roles in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaigns and contributed immensely to the training, mentorship, and professional development of military personnel across various formations.

The Defence Headquarters acknowledged his immense contributions to national security, describing him as a patriotic officer whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations of military personnel.

The death of the retired military chief comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with escalating cases of kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and other violent crimes across several regions of the country.

In recent years, armed criminal gangs and terrorist groups have increasingly expanded their operations, targeting communities, travellers, farmers, and even high-profile individuals for abduction. Many of these kidnappings are carried out for ransom demands, while others are used by criminal groups to exert influence and spread fear among local populations.

Security analysts say the abduction and subsequent death of a retired Major General highlights the urgent need for sustained and coordinated security operations to dismantle criminal networks operating across the country.

Reacting to the development, the Defence Headquarters said the unfortunate loss of Major General Abubakar would not weaken the resolve of the Armed Forces. Instead, it would serve as further motivation to intensify military operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements threatening Nigeria's peace and stability.

The military emphasized that ongoing operations across various theatres of conflict have already been strengthened in response to recent security challenges, including the circumstances surrounding the retired officer’s abduction.

According to the DHQ, security forces remain committed to tracking down those responsible for the crime and ensuring that they face justice.

“This sad loss further strengthens the resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. We will remain resolute in the discharge of our constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria and to protect all citizens,” the statement said.

The military further reassured Nigerians that troops operating across the country remain focused on defeating terrorism, combating banditry, and restoring lasting peace in affected communities.

“We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorist activities across the nation are held to account,” the statement added.

As tributes continue to pour in from military officers, government officials, and members of the public, Major General Rabe Abubakar is being remembered as a dedicated patriot, an accomplished military officer, and a passionate advocate for national unity and security.

His death marks another painful chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against insecurity, but military authorities insist that his sacrifice will strengthen the determination of security forces to defeat those who seek to undermine the peace and stability of the nation