- Retired Generals Make Demands After Death Of Gen. Abubakar In Bandits’ Den
- They warned against politicising Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
- The group supported state police and community security initiatives.
Retired Military Officers Demand Stronger Action Against Insecurity After Death Of General Rabe Abubakar
Retired military officers and associates of late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd) have called for stronger and more coordinated measures to tackle banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across Nigeria following his death after being abducted by bandits.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the demand was made during a press conference in Kaduna on Thursday, where Brigadier General Isma’ila Abdullahi (rtd) spoke on behalf of the group.
Describing the late officer’s death as a painful loss, Abdullahi said it reflected the growing security challenges confronting the country.
“Our colleague, friend, and brother, Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), died following his abduction by cruel bandits. His sudden death has left us shocked and deeply saddened,” he said.
While commending the efforts of the Federal Government and the Katsina State Government that led to the rescue of the deceased’s wife, Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar, Abdullahi said the incident highlighted the insecurity many Nigerians face daily.
“The death of General Rabe Abubakar is not merely a headline. It underscores the difficulties facing a system struggling to guarantee the safety of citizens. Kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism have become painful realities for many Nigerians,” he stated.
The retired officers expressed concern over the spread of insecurity across different regions of the country and urged Nigerians not to politicise or ethnicise the crisis.
“We must resist the temptation to politicise insecurity. This is a Nigerian problem that requires a collective national solution,” Abdullahi said.
The group called for stronger security institutions, enhanced collaboration among security agencies, improved intelligence gathering and tighter border control measures to curb the influx of illegal arms.
According to the officers, while international partnerships remain important in the fight against terrorism, the responsibility for securing the country ultimately rests with Nigerian authorities.
“No foreign nation can secure Nigeria for us. International cooperation is important, but the responsibility for protecting Nigerians lies with our institutions and leadership,” he added.
The retired officers also advocated greater support for organised community security initiatives, particularly in rural areas vulnerable to attacks. They urged authorities to properly train, equip and supervise local vigilante groups to complement formal security operations.
They further backed the creation of state police but stressed that only states with the financial and institutional capacity to sustain such structures should be allowed to establish them.
The group also called on governments at all levels to support victims of kidnapping and terrorism while intensifying efforts to secure the release of those still in captivity.
They said the death of Major General Abubakar should serve as a wake-up call for stronger political commitment and a coordinated national strategy to restore confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.
Other attendees at the briefing included Brigadier General Abubakar Abdulqadir (rtd), Brigadier General M.I. Tsiga (rtd), Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (rtd), Ambassador Ibrahim Usman Gafai and Ambassador Ahmed Muhammad Musawa.
