•Late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd)
Retired military officers and associates of late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd) have called for comprehensive reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture following the retired General’s death after he was abducted by bandits in Katsina State.
The call was made today during a press conference in Kaduna addressed by Brigadier General Isma’ila Abdullahi (rtd), who spoke on behalf of colleagues, friends, and associates of the deceased officer.
Other prominent attendees 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, reports Channels TV.
Abdullahi described the death of General Abubakar as a tragic reminder of the growing insecurity across the country, noting that the retired officer died after being kidnapped by bandits in the Matazu area of Katsina State.
“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 acknowledging efforts by 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 urgent need for stronger measures to tackle banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.
According to him, the killing of the retired General reflects broader security challenges confronting Nigeria.
“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 said.
The retired officers expressed concern over the spread of insecurity across different parts of the country and warned against politicising the issue or assigning it ethnic or regional interpretations.
They stressed that terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry are national problems requiring a united response from all stakeholders.
“We must resist the temptation to politicise insecurity. This is a Nigerian problem that requires a collective national solution,” Abdullahi stated.
The group called for stronger security institutions, improved collaboration among security agencies, and increased investment in intelligence gathering and border control to curb the influx of illegal weapons.
They also welcomed international partnerships aimed at combating terrorism, but maintained that the primary responsibility for securing the country 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 said.
Addressing questions from journalists, Abdullahi advocated better support for organised community-based security structures, particularly in rural communities frequently targeted by armed groups.
He argued that local security volunteers and vigilante groups should be properly equipped and trained to assist in protecting vulnerable communities.
“When heavily armed bandits attack communities, it is unrealistic to expect local defenders to rely on outdated equipment. Communities can organise and train selected youths under proper supervision to support local security efforts,” he said.
However, he cautioned against the indiscriminate proliferation of arms, insisting that any community defence arrangement must operate under strict regulation and supervision.
The retired officers also urged state governments to establish forest guard units to complement recruitment efforts with adequate training, logistics, and operational support.
“Creating forest guard units is only the first step. Proper training and equipment are essential if they are to contribute meaningfully to tackling insecurity in forested areas,” Abdullahi said.
On the issue of state police, the group said it supports the concept in principle but believes only states with the financial and institutional capacity to sustain such organisations should be allowed to establish them.
“We are not opposed to state police. However, states seeking to establish such structures must demonstrate the ability to recruit, train, equip, and sustain them effectively,” he added.
The retired officers further called on governments at all levels to provide support to families affected by kidnapping, terrorism, and banditry, while intensifying efforts to secure the release of citizens still being held captive.
According to them, the death of Major General Abubakar should serve as a wake-up call for stronger political commitment and a coordinated national strategy to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.
