Tinubu Rules Out Negotiations with Terrorists After Death of Retired General Abubakar in Captivity

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the Federal Government will not negotiate with terrorists, following the tragic death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who died while in the custody of bandits in Katsina State.
The President, in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed deep sadness over the death of the former Director of Defence Information, describing it as a painful loss to his family, Katsina State, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the entire nation.
The Katsina State Government had earlier confirmed that General Abubakar died while being held captive by bandits, reportedly from complications linked to diabetes and hypertension.
The retired military officer was abducted while travelling to his hometown. His death came after days in captivity, while his wife remains in the custody of the kidnappers.
President Tinubu commiserated with the family of the deceased, the Katsina State Government, and the military community, praising General Abubakar’s years of dedicated service to Nigeria before his retirement from the Armed Forces.
Reaffirming his administration’s position on insecurity, Tinubu insisted that the government would not yield to the demands of terrorists or release detained criminals in exchange for hostages.
“While the terrorists have done their worst, the government will never surrender to their demands or release their members being held by security agencies,” the statement read.
The President reiterated his warning to bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terrorism to surrender or face the full weight of the law, stressing that the fight against insecurity would continue without compromise.
Tinubu described the death of General Abubakar as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by terrorism, insisting that those who threaten Nigeria’s peace and stability must be confronted as enemies of the state.
He expressed confidence that the country would eventually overcome terrorism and emerge stronger, safer, and more secure.