President Bola Tinubu has vowed that his administration will never negotiate the release of terrorists in custody in exchange for kidnapped victims, following the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar in captivity.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu expressed shock over the killing of the retired military officer by terrorists in Katsina State.
Abubakar, who retired from the Nigerian Army a few years ago, was reportedly abducted while travelling to his hometown.
The president commiserated with the family of the deceased officer, particularly his wife, who remains in captivity.
Tinubu also extended his condolences to the Katsina State government and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed shock over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State,” the statement said.
WE WON’T RELEASE TERRORISTS
The president condemned the actions of the kidnappers and reiterated his administration’s resolve not to succumb to demands for the release of detained terrorists.
“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 held by our security agencies,” the statement added.
Tinubu reiterated his Democracy Day address, where he warned terrorists, bandits and their sponsors to surrender or face decisive action from the state.
“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,’” he said.
The president urged Nigerians to remain united in the fight against insecurity, expressing confidence that the country would eventually overcome terrorism and banditry.
“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 said.
Tinubu described the death of the retired general as a painful reminder of the need to intensify the fight against terrorism and reject negotiations that could strengthen criminal groups.
“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,” he said.
