Retired senior military officers and associates of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd) have renewed calls for sweeping reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture following his death after being abducted by bandits in Katsina State.
The group, speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, described his killing as a stark reminder of the worsening insecurity in the country and urged government at all levels to strengthen security institutions and coordination.
Brigadier General Isma’ila Abdullahi (rtd), who spoke on behalf of colleagues and associates, said the late officer’s death highlighted the urgent need to intensify efforts against banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. He noted that although the government made efforts that led to the rescue of the deceased officer’s wife, the tragedy underscored the scale of Nigeria’s security challenges.
According to the group, the incident reflects broader systemic weaknesses in national security and should not be viewed through ethnic or political lenses.
The retired officers called for improved inter-agency collaboration, enhanced intelligence gathering, and stronger border security measures to curb the inflow of illegal arms. They also emphasized the need for sustained investment in modern security capabilities.
While supporting international cooperation in the fight against insecurity, they stressed that the primary responsibility for protecting citizens lies with Nigerian institutions.
They further advocated for structured community-based security support, particularly in rural areas, alongside proper regulation to prevent the misuse of arms. The group also urged the establishment of well-trained forest guard units and called for state governments to consider adopting state police only where capacity exists to sustain them effectively.
Additionally, they appealed for greater support for victims of insecurity and their families, while calling for intensified efforts to rescue those still in captivity.
The retired officers concluded that the death of Major General Abubakar should serve as a national wake-up call for stronger political will and a coordinated strategy to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security system.
