KANO: Retired military officers and associates of late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd) have called for sweeping reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture following the former army officer’s death after he was abducted by bandits in Katsina State.
The appeal was made on Thursday during a press conference in Kaduna, where Brigadier General Isma’ila Abdullahi (rtd) spoke on behalf of colleagues, friends, and associates of the deceased.
Among those present 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 the death of General Abubakar as another painful reminder of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis. He said 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 commending 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 stressed that the tragedy underscored the urgent need for stronger measures against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
According to him, the killing of the retired general reflects the wider security challenges confronting the country.
The death of General Rabe Abubakar is not merely a headline. It highlights 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 regions and cautioned against giving the crisis ethnic or political interpretations.
This is a Nigerian problem that requires a collective national solution, Abdullahi said.
The group urged the government to strengthen security institutions, improve collaboration among agencies and invest more in intelligence gathering and border control to curb the influx of illegal arms.
They welcomed international cooperation in the fight against terrorism but insisted that the responsibility for protecting citizens ultimately 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, Abdullahi stated.
Responding to questions from journalists, the retired officer advocated stronger support for community-based security arrangements, particularly in rural areas frequently attacked by armed groups.
He said local vigilante groups and security volunteers should be properly trained and equipped to help safeguard 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 warned against uncontrolled proliferation of weapons, insisting that any community defence initiative must operate under strict regulations.
The group also called on 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 added.
On the debate over state police, the retired officers said they support the idea in principle but insisted that only states with the financial and institutional capacity to sustain such structures 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 said.
The group further urged 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 Rabe Abubakar should serve as a wake-up call for stronger political commitment and a coordinated national strategy aimed at restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.
