Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while in the custody of bandits.
Shaibu made the remarks during an interview on Trust TV, on Sunday, 14 June, 2026, while reacting to reports that the retired military officer died in captivity. He questioned the apparent lack of information regarding the fate of the deceased’s wife and other individuals who were reportedly abducted alongside him.
The former presidential aide said the situation raises serious concerns about the handling of the case and the efforts being made to secure the release of those still believed to be in captivity.
“I cannot understand how they picked up his body for burial. No traces, no mention about his wife. No mention about any recovery process for the wife,” Shaibu said during the interview.
According to him, the focus should not only be on recovering and burying the remains of the late general but also on ensuring that every effort is made to rescue those who remain in the hands of their captors. He argued that the absence of public information regarding ongoing rescue operations has left many Nigerians with unanswered questions.
The death of the retired military officer has sparked fresh concerns about the security situation in the country and the growing threat posed by bandit groups operating in various regions. Security analysts and public commentators have continued to call for stronger measures to combat kidnapping and violent crimes.
