President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is devastated over retired Major-General Abubakar Rabe's death in captivity. He's vowed his government will never surrender to terrorist demands.
Rabe was kidnapped two weeks ago while traveling to his hometown. Bandits held him and his wife hostage during that period.
One week into the abduction, the terrorists released a video. They demanded the release of three gang members in government custody.
Similar demands came from extremists holding children and teachers in Oyo State. They too wanted their jailed members freed before releasing hostages.
Bayo Onanuga, the President's spokesperson, rejected these conditions in a Saturday statement. "While the terrorists have done their worst, the President wants them to know that the government will never bow to their demand to release their members," Onanuga said.
He referenced remarks Tinubu made on June 12 to reinforce the position. According to him, bandits and kidnappers should surrender immediately or face state consequences.
"These windows of surrender will not remain open forever," the spokesperson noted. "And no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians."
Onanuga called for national unity in the security fight. He expressed confidence Nigeria would overcome terrorism and build prosperity.
He viewed Rabe's death as a watershed moment in counterterrorism strategy. Negotiations with terrorists must stop, he insisted, treating them only as existential enemies.
Tinubu extended sympathies to the slain officer's family members. His wife remains in captors' hands and hasn't been released.
Condolences also went to Katsina State government officials. Armed forces leadership received the President's message of support too.
