Funeral prayers for retired Major General Rabe Abubakar were held in Katsina on Saturday, days after he died in captivity following his abduction by terrorists.
The development was disclosed by journalist Bakatsine, who reports on conflict and insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West region, in a post on X.
According to him, the late general’s wife, who had been held alongside him by the kidnappers, was released together with his body.
Family members, military officers, government officials and residents attended the funeral prayers to pay their final respects to the retired senior military officer.
He wrote: “Funeral prayers for retired General Rabe Abubakar were held in Katsina this evening. His wife, who had been held alongside him, was released by their captors together with his body. Family members, military officers, government officials, and residents gathered to pay their final respects.”
The funeral comes after the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed Abubakar’s death and expressed condolences to his family, colleagues and Nigerians.
In a statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, the DHQ described the late officer as a distinguished soldier who served the nation in several key capacities, including as spokesman for various military formations and Director of Defence Information.
The military noted that Abubakar made significant contributions to counter-insurgency operations, the professional development of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other national assignments during his career.
According to the DHQ, it had refrained from making public comments on his abduction while rescue efforts were ongoing, adding that all available operational resources had been deployed in an attempt to secure his release.
The Defence Headquarters also stated that security operations against terrorists and kidnappers had been intensified following a series of abductions across the country, including that of the retired general.
It reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to restoring peace and security and bringing those responsible for terrorist activities to justice.