Friends of the late Maj‑Gen Rabe Abubakar call for tougher measures against insecurity

By Kingsley Omonobi

Former colleagues and friends of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), former Director of Defence Information, have called for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s security system. They say his death while in the custody of bandits highlights the country’s escalating insecurity.

The group, represented by retired Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi, Ambassador A. Mohammed Musawa and retired Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, made the appeal on Thursday while paying tribute to the officer, whom they described as disciplined and dedicated.

General Abubakar was abducted together with his wife, Hajia Amina Rabe Abubakar, in the Matazu area of Katsina State. His wife was later rescued, but he died in captivity.

The associates expressed deep sorrow over his death, noting that it reflects a broader national security challenge that has left many Nigerians vulnerable to banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.

They acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government and the Katsina State Government in securing his wife’s release, as well as the President’s condemnation of the killing and renewed commitment to tackling insecurity.

However, they warned that the incident underscores a deepening crisis in which citizens, including schoolchildren, are increasingly at risk of abduction.

According to them, insecurity has spread across the country to the point that it is becoming difficult to distinguish between conflict zones and relatively peaceful areas.

The group urged Nigerians to avoid ethnic or political interpretations of insecurity, stressing that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping are national problems that require collective action.

They also said successive governments have struggled to contain insecurity due to weak implementation of policies, poor coordination and limited political will.

The associates called for stronger security institutions, improved funding for operations and a more proactive counter‑terrorism strategy.

While welcoming international security cooperation, including support from the United States, they stressed that Nigeria must take primary responsibility for securing its territory.

“No nation can defend our country for us,” they said, adding that foreign assistance can only complement a strong domestic security framework.

They cautioned against unregulated calls for citizens to bear arms for self‑defence, warning that such measures could worsen the proliferation of illegal weapons.

The group also called for enhanced border security and stronger regional cooperation with neighbouring countries to curb the flow of arms fueling violence.

They urged the 19 Northern governors to develop a coordinated regional security strategy targeting illegal arms possession, terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

Citing international examples such as Italy and Sri Lanka, the group said Nigeria must demonstrate stronger political will and decisive leadership to defeat violent criminal networks.

They further appealed for improved welfare support for families of serving and retired security personnel affected by terrorism or killed in active service, and called for intensified efforts to secure the release of all Nigerians still held by abductors.

The post Associates of late Maj-Gen Rabe Abubakar demand stronger action on insecurity appeared first on Vanguard News.