President Bola Tinubu has declared that the Federal Government will not bow to pressure from terrorists demanding the release of their members in detention, following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in captivity.
The President made the declaration on Saturday while reacting to the death of the retired military officer, who died while being held by terrorists in Katsina State.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu insisted that his administration would never negotiate with terrorists or release detained insurgents in exchange for hostages.
“While the terrorists have done their worst, the government will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies,” the President said.
Reiterating his June 12 Democracy Day message, Tinubu warned bandits, kidnappers and terror sponsors to surrender or face the full weight 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 stated.
The President said Nigerians must remain united in the fight against insecurity, expressing confidence that the country would eventually overcome terrorism and build a more prosperous future.
According to him, the death of General Abubakar should serve as a defining moment in the nation’s battle against insurgency and reinforce the resolve never to negotiate with terrorists.
“General 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,” he added.
Tinubu also expressed shock over the retired officer’s death, noting that General Abubakar had served the nation with distinction before retiring from the military.
The late general was reportedly travelling to his hometown when he was abducted by the terrorists.
The President extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, particularly his wife, who remains in captivity, and also sympathised with the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces over the tragic incident.
