By ZAKAA LAZARUS
A delegation from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), led by the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General IM Abdullahi, on Sunday, 14 June 2026, paid condolence visits to the family of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd) and the Katsina State Government following the tragic demise of the senior officer.
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 and the government and people of Katsina State over the loss.
At the family residence in Katsina, Major General Abdullahi delivered the condolence message of the CDS and described the late Major General Abubakar as a dedicated and patriotic senior officer who served the nation with distinction in various capacities throughout his military career. He noted that the deceased made significant contributions to the growth and development of the Nigerian Army and the country’s security architecture.
The Chief of Administration further assured the family that the Armed Forces and relevant security agencies would spare no effort in ensuring that those responsible for the General’s death are brought to justice. He also reassured the family of the military’s continued support during this difficult 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,” Major General Abdullahi stated.
He subsequently presented a National Flag to the family in honour of the deceased senior 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 CDS and the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the visit and support extended to the family.
“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.
Alhaji Mu’azu acknowledged that death is an inevitable reality for every soul and prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Major General Abubakar’s soul. He also wished the delegation a safe journey back to their destination.
Earlier, the delegation paid a condolence visit to the Katsina State Government House, where they were received by the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Mallam Faruk Lawal Jobe, on behalf of the Governor.
During the visit, Major General Abdullahi conveyed the condolences of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the Governor, the government, and the people of Katsina State over the painful loss of one of the state’s distinguished sons.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor described the demise of Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd) as a painful loss not only to Katsina State but also to the nation at large. He noted that the late General’s commitment to national service and the security of the country would remain a source of inspiration to future generations.
Mallam Faruk Lawal Jobe called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to address the prevailing security challenges and end the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements in the state and across the country. He further assured the delegation of the Katsina State Government’s continued support for ongoing military and security operations aimed at restoring peace and stability across the North-West region.
Major General Abdullahi thanked the Katsina State Government for its continued support to the military in the ongoing fight against terrorism and other security threats. He emphasized that the cooperation between the military and the state government remains critical to achieving lasting peace and security in the region.
Special prayers were offered both at the family residence and at the Government House for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd).
Those present during the visits included Major General WB Idris, Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA; Major General BP Koughna, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Rear Admiral AM Haruna, Air Vice Marshal AY Abdullahi, Major General JS Bindawa (rtd); Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd) mni and Air Vice Marshal IS Kaita (rtd). Also in attendance were family members, traditional rulers and other illustrious sons of Katsina State.
