Retired military officers and associates of late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd) have urged the Federal Government to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture following the retired general’s death after bandits abducted him in Katsina State.
Brigadier General Isma’ila Abdullahi (rtd) made the appeal on Thursday during a press conference in Kaduna on behalf of the deceased officer’s colleagues, friends and associates.
Among those in attendance were 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.
Abdullahi described General Abubakar’s death as a painful reminder of the country’s worsening insecurity, noting that he died after bandits abducted him 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 commending the Federal Government and the Katsina State Government for securing the release of the deceased’s wife, Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar, Abdullahi said the incident underscored the urgent need for stronger action against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
He said the killing reflected the wider security crisis confronting the country.
“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 nationwide and warned against politicising the crisis or interpreting it along ethnic or regional lines.
They stressed that terrorism, kidnapping and banditry are national challenges requiring a united response.
“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, closer collaboration among security agencies, improved intelligence gathering and tighter border control to curb the inflow of illegal weapons.
They also welcomed international cooperation against terrorism but insisted that Nigerian authorities bear the primary responsibility for protecting citizens.
“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.
Responding to questions from journalists, Abdullahi advocated greater support for organised community-based security structures, particularly in rural communities vulnerable to attacks.
He said authorities should properly equip and train local security volunteers and vigilante groups to help protect 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 uncontrolled spread of firearms, 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 backed by 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 state police, the group said it supports the idea in principle but believes only states with the financial and institutional capacity to sustain such organisations should 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 officers further called on governments at all levels to support families affected by kidnapping, terrorism and banditry while intensifying efforts to secure the release of citizens 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 public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.