President Bola Tinubu has expressed shock over the death of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, who died in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State.

Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for the presidency, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

The president described the late military officer as a distinguished soldier who served the nation meritoriously before retiring.

Mr Abubakar was reportedly travelling with his wife to his hometown when he was abducted by the terrorists.

Mr Tinubu commiserated with the family of the deceased, particularly his wife, who remains in captivity, and extended condolences to the Katsina State government and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The president said the killing would not weaken the government’s resolve 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,” he said.

Reiterating his Democracy Day message, Mr Tinubu warned bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror 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.

He said the death of the retired general should serve as a defining moment in the nation’s fight 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,” Mr Tinubu said.

Mr Abubakar, a former army spokesman, was last seen in a video released by his captors, who demanded the release of detained bandits and seized livestock.

 (NAN)