Meet the new defence spokesman who loves badminton

‎Rabe Abubakar, a colonel (pictured right), on Monday assumed duty as the new spokesman of the Nigeria Defence Headquarters.

Abubakar took over from Chris Olukolade, a major-general who will retire in September.

According to a statement on the Facebook page of the Defence Headquarters, Abubakar, while speaking with the journalists shortly after taking over, said he was aware and conscious of the security challenges in the country and the need for collective efforts to confront it”.

“There is absolute need for synergy of efforts and collaboration among all stakeholders to re-strategise in the area of information collection, management and determination in counter terrorism and insurgency,” he said.

“I will make myself readily accessible, available, responsive and proactive in dealing with media and other partners in the course of promoting the military-media relationship.”

He promised to maintain excellent and robust press relations with all segments of media outlets to support the Nigeria armed forces operations and activities.

He also reiterated his intention to adopt positive measures in his resolve to promote excellent civil-military relations, thereby gaining public understanding and goodwill in support of our troops in the theatre of operations.

In addition, he pledged to maintain the professional standard set by his predecessor and even work hard to improve upon his achievement by tapping from his wealth of experience and knowledge from time to time.

Abubakar was born on  April 7, 1965. He hails from Batsari local government area of Katsina state.

On completion of his secondary education, he proceeded to obtain his bachelor of arts degree in history and was later commissioned into the Nigeria army as a second lieutenant in 1989.

Since commissioning, he has held several command and staff appointments, some of which include: coordinator, joint media centre at the headquarters of the Joint Task Force Operation in the Niger Delta; commandant, Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI) Lagos; and  executive director, corporate affairs, Nigerian Army Welfare Limited.

Abubakar has also attended several courses such as company amphibious course at National Defence College, China. His hobbies include jogging, badminton and reading. He is married and blessed with children.‎