Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has said the death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe in the custody of bandits and the renewed terrorist attack on communities in Chibok, Borno State, demonstrates that Nigeria is steadily losing hard-won gains in the fight against insecurity.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his media office, Atiku described the death of the former Director of Defence Information as a tragic indictment of the Federal Government’s inability to protect citizens, warning that no Nigerian is safe under the current security situation.
Rabe, a former Army spokesperson, was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, in Katsina State. Reports said he died while in captivity after suffering complications linked to diabetes and hypertension. His wife is reportedly still being held by the kidnappers.
Reacting to the development, Atiku said the death of a senior retired military officer at the hands of criminals was both heartbreaking and unacceptable.
“Gen Rabe devoted the better part of his life to defending Nigeria. He served this country with honour, courage, and distinction. That such a man could end up dying in the hands of criminals is both heartbreaking and unacceptable,” he said.
