President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed shock over the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended condolences to the family of the late military officer, particularly his wife who remains in captivity, as well as to the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Tinubu condemned the killing and reiterated his administration’s position that it will not negotiate with terrorists or agree to any prisoner exchange involving detained terror suspects.

He stated that while the abductors had “done their worst,” the government would not be pressured into concessions, adding that terrorists would continue to face the full force of the Nigerian state.

“As I said on June 12, bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” the President said, stressing that no mercy would be shown to those involved in terrorism.

He urged Nigerians to remain united and confident that security forces would eventually defeat insurgency and criminal networks across the country.

The President described the incident as a defining moment in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and insisted that such groups must be treated as enemies of the state.

The retired general was abducted about two weeks earlier along the Katsina–Matazu road while travelling with his wife, who remains in captivity.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Army, led by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, also commiserated with the family, describing Abubakar as a patriotic officer who served Nigeria with distinction.

The committee pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to strengthen efforts aimed at restoring peace and improving national security.