RismadarVoice Reporters, June 14, 2026
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd.), has cautioned that Nigeria’s worsening security situation could eventually place high-ranking public officials, including governors, ministers and lawmakers, in the crosshairs of criminal groups if decisive measures are not taken.
Buratai issued the warning while reacting to reports of the killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was allegedly murdered after being abducted by bandits.
While describing the incident as deeply troubling, the former army chief said the death of a senior military officer highlights the growing boldness and operational capacity of armed criminal groups across the country.
According to him, the continued expansion of banditry and other forms of violent crime poses a threat not only to ordinary citizens and security personnel but also to political leaders and government officials.
Buratai noted that he had previously warned that insurgency and banditry could persist for years if comprehensive and decisive action was not taken to address the root causes and operational networks behind the violence.
He argued that the reported abduction and killing of a retired general represents a dangerous escalation in the country’s security challenges and should serve as a wake-up call for authorities at all levels.
The former military commander further stated that criminal groups have become increasingly sophisticated, benefiting from improved intelligence gathering, access to advanced weaponry and growing confidence in their operations.
Buratai criticised approaches that rely heavily on ransom payments and negotiations with armed groups, insisting that such strategies have failed to deter criminal activities. He called instead for a coordinated military and intelligence-driven offensive aimed at dismantling bandit and terrorist networks.
As part of his recommendations, he urged the Federal Government to establish a unified security command structure with direct oversight of operations in states facing severe security threats. According to him, such a framework would improve coordination among security agencies and eliminate delays caused by bureaucratic procedures.
He also called for tougher action against individuals and groups accused of providing support to criminal organisations through activities such as illegal mining, ransom facilitation and other forms of collaboration.
Buratai stressed that armed groups often rely on extensive support networks to sustain their operations and argued that dismantling these networks is essential to winning the fight against insecurity.
He however, urged government authorities, security institutions and citizens to embrace a united national response, warning that failure to act decisively could allow the security situation to deteriorate further and erode public confidence in the state’s ability to protect lives and property.
