The Defence Headquarters says it withheld comment on retired Major General Rabe Abubakar’s abduction to protect a full-scale rescue operation by the Armed Forces and sister agencies.
DHQ confirmed every operational resource was deployed to secure his release, but the former Director of Defence Information died in bandits’ captivity Saturday from diabetes and hypertension complications.
Condoling the family of the deceased, the Army said 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.
It said Rabe 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, it also said.
In a statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director Defence Information, the Armed Forces of Nigeria said Rabe’s death strengthens its resolve to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria and to use protect all citizens in line with the country’s constitution.
It added: “In response to series of unfortunate abductions across Nigeria including that of Maj Gen Abubakar, ongoing operations have since been further intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening our nation.
“We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorists activities across the nation are held to account.”
