Retired Major General Abubakar Rabe has been buried in Katsina. He died two weeks after bandits kidnapped him from the road.
Islamic funeral rites were observed at the burial ground. Family members, senior military officers, government officials and residents attended the ceremony.
Qur'anic verses echoed across the burial site throughout the day. Many mourners wept openly as they paid their final respects.
Bandits abducted the general and his wife on May 30. They seized them along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area.
Those gathered described the occasion as deeply painful and solemn. Several mourners called his death a tragic irony for a decorated soldier.
Dr Sama'ila Balarabe spoke to reporters at the funeral. "He served this country faithfully, yet he died in such circumstances," he noted.
Residents across Katsina metropolis expressed shock at what happened. Many lamented that insecurity continues to claim both civilians and retired officers.
The Defence Headquarters released a statement on Saturday. Officials described the late general as deeply committed to counter-insurgency operations nationwide.
According to military spokesman, Rabe's dedication to Nigeria's unity would inspire future Armed Forces personnel. They pledged ongoing efforts to prosecute the kidnappers.
The military also vowed to dismantle terrorist networks across the country. No timeline was provided for these operations.
Nigerians have reacted with alarm to the general's death. His case has sparked broader concerns about national security.
Social media users questioned citizens' safety if a retired general couldn't be protected. Many called for authorities to intensify anti-terrorism efforts.
Activists and ordinary Nigerians demanded urgent action from government. They stressed that the country's security crisis requires immediate intervention.
The general's death marks another casualty in Nigeria's ongoing battle against banditry. It's renewed pressure on security agencies to strengthen protection measures.
