Retired military officers have called for sweeping reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture following the death of a former Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), who died after being abducted by bandits in Katsina State.
The demand was made on Thursday at a press conference in Kaduna, where a coalition of retired senior officers described the incident as a grim reflection of the worsening insecurity across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Brigadier General Isma’ila Abdullahi (retd.) said the killing of the late general underscored systemic failures in safeguarding lives and property.
“Our colleague, friend and brother, Major General Rabe Abubakar, died following his abduction by cruel bandits. His sudden death has left us shocked and deeply saddened,” Abdullahi said.
Abubakar was reportedly kidnapped in the Matazu area of Katsina State, one of several regions grappling with persistent banditry and kidnappings.
The retired officers, including Brigadier Generals Abubakar Abdulqadir and M.I. Tsiga (both retd.), Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (retd.), and diplomats Ibrahim Usman Gafai and Ahmed Muhammad Musawa, warned that the incident should not be treated as an isolated tragedy but as part of a broader national crisis.
They stressed that insecurity—manifesting as terrorism, kidnapping and banditry—has become entrenched across the country and requires a unified, non-political response.
“The death of General Abubakar is not merely a headline; it highlights the challenges of a system struggling to guarantee citizens’ safety,” Abdullahi added. “We must resist politicising insecurity. This is a national problem that demands a collective solution.”
While acknowledging efforts by the Federal Government and the Katsina State Government that led to the rescue of the deceased’s wife, the group insisted that more decisive measures were needed to curb the surge in violent crimes.
They advocated strengthening security institutions, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and boosting investment in intelligence gathering and border control to stem the influx of illicit arms.
The ex-military chiefs also backed international cooperation in tackling terrorism but emphasised that primary responsibility for national security rests with Nigerian authorities.
“No foreign nation can secure Nigeria for us. The duty lies squarely with our institutions and leadership,” Abdullahi said.
On grassroots security, the group called for structured support for community-based defence initiatives, particularly in rural areas frequently targeted by armed groups. They recommended proper training and equipping of vigilante groups under strict supervision to prevent abuse.
“When heavily armed bandits attack, it is unrealistic to expect local defenders to rely on outdated equipment,” Abdullahi noted, while cautioning against the uncontrolled proliferation of arms.
The retired officers further urged state governments to establish and adequately equip forest guard units to secure ungoverned spaces often exploited by criminals.
On the contentious issue of state policing, the group expressed conditional support, noting that only states with the financial and institutional capacity should be allowed to establish and sustain such outfits.
“We support state police in principle, but capacity must be demonstrated in recruitment, training, funding, and oversight,” Abdullahi stated.
They also called on governments at all levels to provide support for victims of insecurity and intensify efforts to rescue those still in captivity.
The officers concluded that Abubakar’s death should serve as a wake-up call for stronger political will and a coordinated national security strategy to restore public confidence.
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