He was on his way to his hometown when the hoodlums captured him.
In a video released a week after bandits held Rabe and his wife hostage, they asked the government to release three members of their gang in captivity.
Also terrorists holding school children and their teachers in Oyo State were said to have demanded the release of their members before the children would regain their freedom.
But in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Saturday, he said, “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.
“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.
“As Nigerians, we must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.
“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, who should never be spared.”
The President commiserated with the family of the retired General, especially his wife, who is still being held against her will.
He also extended his condolences to the Katsina State government and the armed forces.
