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The Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (PASNAFOSA) has expressed profound grief over the death of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd), who reportedly died while being held captive by kidnappers in Katsina State.
The tragic development has reignited concerns over the worsening security situation across parts of Nigeria and sparked renewed calls for decisive action against kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Convener, Ambassador Mary Abayomi-Fatile, PASNAFOSA described the retired senior military officer's death as a devastating loss not only to his family but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation he served with distinction for decades.
According to reports, Major General Abubakar and his wife were abducted by armed men while travelling through Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. Sources familiar with the incident indicated that the retired officer later died in captivity after reportedly suffering health complications associated with diabetes and hypertension.
His death has sent shockwaves through military circles, security institutions, and among Nigerians who remembered him as one of the country's most respected military communicators and strategists.
Reacting to the incident, PASNAFOSA lamented what it described as the painful irony of a distinguished military officer, who dedicated his life to protecting Nigeria from security threats, eventually becoming a victim of the very criminal networks he spent years combating.
The organisation noted that throughout his military career, Major General Abubakar demonstrated professionalism, patriotism, courage, and unwavering commitment to national service.
"It is both painful and disturbing that a man who dedicated his career to safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity and fighting insecurity should become a victim of the same criminal elements threatening the peace and stability of our country," the group stated.
PASNAFOSA described the late officer as a symbol of discipline and national loyalty whose contributions to the defence and security architecture of Nigeria would not be forgotten.
According to the organisation, his passing represents a significant loss to Katsina State, the Armed Forces, and the entire nation.
"Major General Rabe Abubakar served Nigeria with honour, professionalism, courage, and utmost loyalty. His death is not only a great loss to his immediate family but also to Katsina State, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the nation as a whole," the statement added.
The group used the occasion to call on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks responsible for kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, and other violent crimes across the country.
PASNAFOSA stressed that the circumstances surrounding the retired general's death underscore the urgent need for stronger intelligence gathering, enhanced security operations, and greater collaboration among law enforcement agencies.
The organisation insisted that those responsible for the abduction and death of the former Defence spokesman must be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
"We call on the Federal Government, security agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure that those responsible for his abduction and death, as well as their sponsors, are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice," the group said.
Security analysts have long warned that the increasing sophistication of kidnapping syndicates and armed groups poses a serious challenge to national security, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria where incidents of abduction have become recurrent.
Beyond its reaction to the retired general's death, PASNAFOSA also reiterated its reservations regarding the continued implementation of amnesty and reintegration programmes for repentant terrorists without what it described as adequate accountability measures.
The organisation expressed concern over efforts to reintegrate former members of insurgent groups into communities while many victims of terrorism and violent crimes continue to seek justice.
While acknowledging that rehabilitation initiatives may play a role in long-term peacebuilding efforts, the group argued that such programmes should not come at the expense of justice or public safety.
"While recognising the importance of rehabilitation programmes where necessary, we maintain that justice, accountability, and the security of innocent Nigerians must remain paramount," the statement noted.
PASNAFOSA further warned that any approach to addressing insecurity must balance reconciliation efforts with the need to protect citizens and honour the sacrifices made by security personnel.
The organisation also emphasized the need to preserve the memory and sacrifices of military personnel and other security operatives who have paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
According to PASNAFOSA, the death of Major General Abubakar serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers faced not only by serving officers but also by retired personnel who remain vulnerable to the country's evolving security challenges.
The group urged Nigerians to support ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and show solidarity with members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
PASNAFOSA extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Major General Abubakar, the Government and people of Katsina State, as well as the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The organisation prayed for the peaceful repose of the retired officer's soul and asked God to grant comfort and strength to his loved ones during this difficult period.
As tributes continue to pour in from military veterans, public officials, and citizens across the country, the death of Major General Rabe Abubakar has become a poignant symbol of the security challenges confronting Nigeria and the urgent need for lasting solutions to the threats posed by criminal and terrorist groups.
For many Nigerians, the tragedy represents not only the loss of a distinguished military officer but also a stark reminder that insecurity remains one of the nation's most pressing challenges, demanding sustained commitment, decisive leadership, and collective action.
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