Atiku Condemns Death of Ex-Army Spokesman in Bandits’ Custody, Says Insecurity Has Worsened Under Tinubu

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe in the custody of bandits, describing the tragedy as a painful reflection of the worsening security situation in Nigeria.

Atiku, in a statement issued by his media office on Sunday, expressed profound grief over the death of the former military spokesman and accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of failing to stem the tide of insecurity across the country.

The former Vice President said the circumstances surrounding the death of the retired senior military officer underscore the growing vulnerability of Nigerians to criminal elements, despite repeated assurances by the government that security challenges are being addressed.

Major General Rabe, a former Director of Defence Information and one-time spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, reportedly died while being held captive by bandits. His death has triggered widespread reactions from political leaders, security experts and members of the public, many of whom have described the incident as a national tragedy.

Reacting to the development, Atiku said he received the news with sadness and anger, noting that it was particularly disturbing that a man who dedicated his life to defending the country could fall victim to the same insecurity he once fought against.

“It is with profound sadness and deep anger that we mourn the death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, a distinguished former Army Spokesperson and Director of Defence Information, who tragically passed away while in the captivity of bandits,” Atiku stated.

“General Rabe devoted the better part of his life to defending Nigeria. He served this country with honour, courage, and distinction. That such a man could end up dying in the hands of criminals is both heartbreaking and unacceptable.”

The ADC presidential candidate used the incident to highlight what he described as a deteriorating security environment under the current administration. According to him, the increasing frequency of attacks by bandits, terrorists and other criminal groups indicates that the country's security crisis is deepening.

Atiku also pointed to the recent attack on schools in Chibok, Borno State, as further evidence that insecurity remains a major threat to lives and livelihoods across Nigeria. He argued that communities continue to live in fear while criminal groups operate with alarming audacity in several parts of the country.

The former Vice President said the persistent attacks on civilians, security personnel and critical institutions raise serious concerns about the effectiveness of the government's security strategy. He called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive measures to protect citizens and restore public confidence.

According to him, the death of General Rabe should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to reassess existing security policies and intensify efforts to combat banditry, terrorism and kidnapping across the country.

Atiku further extended his condolences to the family of the late military officer, the Nigerian Armed Forces and all Nigerians saddened by the loss. He described the deceased as a patriot whose service and sacrifices to the nation would not be forgotten.

The death of the retired general has renewed national conversations about the persistent security challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly in areas plagued by banditry and kidnapping. Many observers have argued that the incident highlights the urgent need for stronger intelligence gathering, improved security coordination and more effective measures to curb the activities of criminal groups.

As tributes continue to pour in for the late Major General Rabe, concerns remain over the safety of citizens and the broader implications of insecurity on national stability and development.