Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has stated why it withheld public comment on the abduction of former Director of Defence Information, Rtd Major-General Rabe Abubakar.
It made this clarification following the breaking news of the eventual death of the Major-General in captivity
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Defence Headquarters stated:
“The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the AFN and sister security agencies.
“Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return,” Uba stated.
“In response to a series of unfortunate abductions across Nigeria, including that of Maj Gen Abubakar, ongoing operations have since been further intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening our nation,” Uba said.
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It has, in addition, vowed to intensify ongoing operations aimed at tracking down those responsible for the abduction of the retired general and others in captivity
Abubakar was reportedly kidnapped alongside his wife in May while travelling through Katsina State.
A video later surfaced on June 6 showing the retired general and his wife appealing to the Katsina State Government for the release of detained bandits and livestock.
Putting on record that the late officer contributed significantly to counter-insurgency operations, military professionalism and national development, Defence Headquarters added:
“His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the AFN.
“In response to a series of unfortunate abductions across Nigeria, including that of Maj Gen Abubakar, ongoing operations have since been further intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening our nation,” Uba said.
