The President’s hardline stance came amid national outrage over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar in the custody of terrorists and fresh reports of a Boko Haram attack on schools in Borno State, underscoring the persistent security challenges confronting the country.
Reacting to the killing of the former Army spokesman, Tinubu said the Federal Government would remain resolute in its determination to crush terrorism and criminality, insisting that Nigeria would not trade justice for concessions demanded by violent groups.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late military officer as a distinguished soldier who served the nation with honour and dedication before retiring from active service.
Abubakar was reportedly travelling with his wife to his hometown when armed bandits ambushed their vehicle and abducted the couple along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State on May 30.
While the retired general later died in captivity, his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, remains in the custody of the kidnappers.
Expressing sympathy to the bereaved family, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Katsina State Government, Tinubu said the tragic loss would only strengthen the country’s resolve to defeat terror groups and criminal networks.
“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 declared.
Reaffirming the warning contained in his Democracy Day address, Tinubu issued what amounted to a final ultimatum to bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism.
“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 in the nation’s ability to overcome the forces threatening its peace and stability.
According to him, the death of the retired general must serve as a defining moment in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against insurgency and terrorism.
“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 added.
Meanwhile, the late Major-General Abubakar has been laid to rest in Katsina in accordance with Islamic rites.
The solemn burial attracted senior military officers, government officials, family members, friends and residents who gathered to honour a man many described as a patriot who devoted his life to the service of the nation.
Qur’anic recitations echoed across the burial ground as mourners paid their final respects to the former military spokesman whose death has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger action against banditry.
Before his death, Abubakar was seen in a four-minute video released by his captors in which he appeared alongside his wife while the terrorists demanded the release of detained bandits and seized livestock.
Boko Haram Burns Schools In Borno
In a separate development highlighting the growing security concerns in parts of the North-East, suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists reportedly set ablaze a primary school and a secondary school in Kautikari village, Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the insurgents stormed the community around 7 p.m. on Saturday, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes to escape the attack.
Although no casualties were reported, the destruction of educational facilities has heightened fears among residents already traumatized by years of insurgent violence.
A resident said the village had suffered previous attacks but noted that public infrastructure had largely been spared until now.
“I wonder why they set ablaze the Primary School and Day Secondary School. Such attacks are unusual,” the resident said.
The attack comes barely weeks after concerns were raised over the fate of pupils of Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba who were reportedly abducted and remain unaccounted for.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Borno State Police Command were unsuccessful as calls to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, did not connect.
The twin incidents in Katsina and Borno have once again brought Nigeria’s security challenges into sharp focus, reinforcing growing calls for intensified military operations, stronger intelligence gathering and deeper community collaboration in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry. For many Nigerians, the message from the Presidency is unmistakable: the era of concessions to terror groups is over, and the battle to restore peace has entered a decisive phase.
