Retired military personnel and associates of late Major General Rabe Abubakar have urged the Federal Government to undertake far-reaching reforms of Nigeria’s security system following the retired officer’s death after an abduction in Katsina State.
The call was made during a press briefing in Kaduna on Thursday, where Brigadier General Isma’ila Abdullahi (rtd) spoke on behalf of colleagues, friends, and associates of the deceased.
Several notable retired military and diplomatic figures attended the event, including 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.
Addressing journalists, Abdullahi described the late general’s death as a painful reflection of the worsening security situation across the country. He said the incident demonstrates the urgent need for more effective strategies to tackle kidnapping, terrorism, and banditry.
While commending the efforts of both the Federal Government and the Katsina State Government that led to the rescue of General Abubakar’s wife, Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar, the group maintained that much more must be done to prevent similar tragedies.
According to the retired officers, the security challenges facing Nigeria have become a national concern that should not be viewed through political, ethnic, or regional lenses.
They argued that insecurity requires a unified response involving governments, security agencies, and citizens, warning against attempts to politicise the crisis.
The group called for the strengthening of security institutions through improved coordination among agencies, enhanced intelligence gathering, and tighter border surveillance to curb the movement of illegal arms into the country.
They also expressed support for international cooperation in the fight against terrorism but insisted that the primary responsibility for securing Nigeria rests with the nation’s leadership and security institutions.
Speaking on community security initiatives, Abdullahi advocated increased support for vigilante groups and organised local security outfits, particularly in rural communities that frequently come under attack from armed criminals.
He noted that properly trained and supervised local volunteers could complement formal security efforts, provided adequate safeguards are put in place to prevent misuse.
However, he cautioned against the uncontrolled spread of firearms, stressing that any community-based defence arrangement must operate within a regulated framework.
The retired officers further urged state governments to establish and adequately equip forest guard units capable of addressing criminal activities in remote and forested regions.
On the debate surrounding state police, they said they support the idea but believe only states with the necessary financial and institutional capacity should be allowed to operate such structures.
The group also appealed to authorities at all levels to provide assistance to victims and families affected by kidnapping, terrorism, and bandit attacks while intensifying efforts to secure the release of those still being held captive.
They concluded that the death of Major General Abubakar should serve as a turning point in Nigeria’s approach to security and inspire stronger political will to restore public confidence in the country’s security framework.
Retired Military Officers Demand Stronger Security Measures After General Abubakar’s Death
