President Bola Tinubu has condemned the death of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar in the custody of terrorists and vowed that the Federal Government would never negotiate with criminal groups, as the late senior military officer was laid to rest in Katsina State on Saturday.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed shock over the death of the former Army spokesperson, describing him as a distinguished soldier who served the nation meritoriously before retiring from the military.

Abubakar was reportedly travelling with his wife to his hometown when they were abducted by terrorists. His wife remains in captivity.

Tinubu commiserated with the family of the deceased, particularly his wife, and extended condolences to the Katsina State Government and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He said the killing would not weaken the government’s determination to defeat terrorism and criminality across the country.

“While the terrorists have done their worst, they should know that the government will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies,” the President said.

Reiterating the message he delivered on Democracy Day, Tinubu warned bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terrorism to surrender or face the full force of the law.

“As I said on June 12, bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian state.

“These windows of surrender will not remain open forever, and no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he said.

The President urged Nigerians to remain united and confident that the country’s enemies would ultimately be defeated, adding that the death of the retired general should serve as a defining moment in the country’s battle against terrorism and insurgency.

“Gen. Abubakar’s death should further serve as a defining moment in our battle against terrorists and insurgents, never to negotiate with them on any terms, but to continue to treat them as the greatest enemies of our dear nation, who should never be spared,” Tinubu said.

Meanwhile, the remains of the retired officer were laid to rest on Saturday evening at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery in Katsina following the release of his body by his abductors.

The burial, conducted according to Islamic rites, took place at about 6:45 p.m. and attracted a large gathering of mourners, including the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Mr. Faruq Lawal-Jobe.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other dignitaries present at the burial included senior government officials, military officers, traditional rulers, family members, and sympathisers.

Also in attendance was the Commander of the 17 Brigade, Katsina, alongside other security personnel, who paid their final respects to the late senior military officer.

The funeral came only hours after the abductors released the remains of the retired general, whose death in captivity has generated grief and concern across the country.

Government officials, security stakeholders, and members of the public have continued to mourn the former Army spokesperson, with many describing him as a distinguished officer whose military career was marked by dedication, patriotism, and service to the nation.

Condolence messages have continued to pour in from various quarters, with sympathisers praying for the repose of his soul and for comfort for his bereaved family.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Abubakar was last seen in a video released by his captors, who demanded the release of detained bandits and seized livestock. His death has renewed calls for a tougher stance against terrorists and kidnappers operating across the country.