… Says Government Won’t Release Their Members In Custody
By Jake Clifford
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that his administration will not negotiate with terrorists or release their members in custody, following the death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe in captivity.
The President made the declaration while reacting to the tragic death of the retired military officer, who was abducted by bandits in Katsina State while travelling to his hometown about two weeks ago.
General Rabe reportedly died while being held by his captors. His wife, however, remains in captivity.
According to reports, the kidnappers had released a video shortly after the abduction in which they demanded the release of three of their members being held by security agencies in exchange for the freedom of the retired general and his wife.
Similarly, terrorists who recently abducted school children and their teachers in Oyo State were also said to have demanded the release of their members before freeing the victims.
Reacting to the development, President Tinubu, through a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, insisted that the Federal Government would never succumb to the demands of criminal groups.
“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,” the statement said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to defeating insecurity, the President referenced his Democracy Day address of June 12, warning bandits, kidnappers and their sponsors to surrender or face decisive military action.
“As I said on June 12, 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,” the statement read.
The President further urged Nigerians to remain united in the fight against insecurity, 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 stated.
Tinubu described the death of the retired general as a painful reminder of the security challenges confronting the nation, adding that it should strengthen the resolve of government and security agencies against terrorists.
“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 statement added.
The President also extended his condolences to the family of the late retired general, particularly his wife who remains in captivity, as well as the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The death of General Rabe has once again reignited concerns over the persistent insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom and bandit attacks continue to pose serious threats to lives and property despite ongoing military operations.