President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a firm stance against negotiations with terrorists following the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar while in captivity. The president expressed shock and sadness over the former military officer’s death and extended condolences to his family, the armed forces, and the Katsina State Government. According to the presidency, the retired general was abducted while travelling to his hometown and later died while being held by his captors.
The president disclosed that the terrorists had demanded the release of their arrested members as a condition for freeing the retired officer. However, he made it clear that the Federal Government would not yield to such demands. In a statement issued through presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu declared that while the terrorists had “done their worst,” the government would never bow to pressure to release suspects being held by security agencies.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu also expressed concern for the late general’s wife, who remains in the custody of the kidnappers according to official statements. The president described the tragedy as a reminder of the brutality of terrorist groups and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to defeat insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers operating across the country.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu Reinforces No-Negotiation Policy Against Terrorists
Nigeria’s security challenges have continued to test government policy on hostage situations, particularly in cases where criminal groups demand ransom payments or prisoner exchanges. Successive administrations have often faced pressure from families and communities seeking the safe return of abducted victims, while security experts warn that concessions can encourage further kidnappings.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu used the occasion to reiterate a broader warning he recently issued to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and their sponsors, urging them to surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian state. He stressed that the government’s commitment to combating terrorism remains unchanged and that those responsible for violence against Nigerians would not receive mercy.
The death of Major-General Abubakar has also renewed discussions about the safety of retired military personnel and civilians travelling through high-risk areas. Security analysts say the incident highlights the continued need for intelligence-driven operations, stronger community security networks, and sustained pressure on criminal groups operating in vulnerable regions.
For now, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made his position unmistakably clear: the government will not exchange detained terrorists for hostages. Whether that approach strengthens long-term national security or fuels further debate over hostage-response policies, the death of General Abubakar is likely to remain a defining moment in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism. OGM News will continue monitoring developments surrounding the case and the broader fight against insecurity.
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