A delegation from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), led by the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General IM Abdullahi, on Sunday paid condolence visits to the family of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.) and the Katsina State Government following the retired senior officer’s death in captivity.

The visit,  was disclosed in a statement issued  through the Defence Headquarters’ official X handle.

During the visit, the delegation conveyed the condolences of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to the bereaved family as well as the government and people of Katsina State.

At the family residence in Katsina, Major General Abdullahi described the late Abubakar as a dedicated and patriotic officer who served Nigeria with distinction throughout his military career. He noted that the retired general made significant contributions to the development of the Nigerian Army and the country’s security architecture during his years of service.
According to him, the Armed Forces and relevant security agencies remain committed to ensuring that those responsible for the retired officer’s death are apprehended and brought to justice.

He also assured the family of the military’s continued support during the mourning period.

“Major General Abubakar served the Nigerian Army and the nation meritoriously for over three decades. His years of dedicated service and sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Abdullahi said.

As part of the tribute, the Army chief presented a National Flag to the family in recognition of the deceased officer’s dedicated service and sacrifice to the nation.
Responding on behalf of the family, Alhaji Dikko Mu’azu Ruma, the Gado da Masun Katsina, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their support and solidarity.

“On behalf of the entire family, the good people of Batsari Local Government Area and indeed Katsina State, we sincerely thank the Chief of Defence Staff and the Armed Forces of Nigeria for standing by us, especially during this trying period,” he said.

Mu’azu acknowledged the inevitability of death and prayed for the peaceful repose of the late general’s soul. He also wished the visiting delegation a safe return journey.

The delegation subsequently proceeded to the Katsina State Government House, where they were received by the Deputy Governor, Mallam Faruk Lawal Jobe, who represented Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.

Conveying the condolences of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Armed Forces, Major General Abdullahi expressed sympathy to the governor, government and people of Katsina State over what he described as the painful loss of one of the state’s distinguished sons.
In his response, the deputy governor described the death of Major General Abubakar as a significant loss to both Katsina State and the nation.

Jobe said the late officer’s commitment to national service and his contributions to the country’s security would continue to inspire future generations.

The condolence visits came days after the Katsina State Government confirmed the death of the retired major general, who was abducted alongside his wife by bandits in May while travelling through the state. His death has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria.