A civil society organisation dedicated to supporting Nigeria’s security forces has condemned the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died in the custody of kidnappers in Katsina State, calling his fate a grim symbol of the nation’s deepening insecurity crisis.
The Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (PASNAFOSA) announced the condemnation in a statement signed by its Convener, Ambassador Mary Abayomi-Fatile, describing the incident as “both painful and disturbing.”
Major General Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, was abducted alongside his wife while travelling through Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. He reportedly died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension sustained during his captivity.
“A man who dedicated his career to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and fighting insecurity should [not] become a victim of the same criminal elements threatening the peace and stability of our country,” the group said.
PASNAFOSA praised the late officer as someone who “served Nigeria with honour, professionalism, courage and utmost loyalty,” adding that his death was a loss not only to his family but to Katsina State, the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large.
The group urged the Federal Government and security agencies to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the abduction and death, including their sponsors.
Beyond the immediate case, PASNAFOSA used the statement to renew its opposition to what it described as the unchecked granting of amnesty to repentant terrorists. The group expressed concern over recent moves to reintegrate former Boko Haram members into communities, arguing that justice and accountability must take precedence.
“The sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies who have paid the ultimate price in the defence of the nation must never be undermined,” the statement read.
While acknowledging the potential role of rehabilitation programmes, the organisation insisted that the security of innocent Nigerians must remain the government’s top priority.
PASNAFOSA extended condolences to the Abubakar family, the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
