Retired military officers and associates of late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd) have called for comprehensive reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture following the retired general’s death after he was abducted by bandits in Katsina State.
Press Conference in Kaduna
The appeal was made on Thursday during a press conference in Kaduna addressed by Brigadier General Isma’ila Abdullahi (rtd), who spoke on behalf of colleagues, friends, and associates of the deceased officer. Other prominent attendees included 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.
A Tragic Reminder
Abdullahi described the death of General Abubakar as a tragic reminder of the growing insecurity across the country, noting that 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 acknowledging 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 said the incident highlighted the urgent need for stronger measures to tackle banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.
Broader Security Challenges
According to him, the killing of the retired general reflects broader security challenges confronting Nigeria. “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 across different parts of the country and warned against politicising the issue or assigning it ethnic or regional interpretations. They stressed that terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry are national problems requiring a united response from all stakeholders. “We must resist the temptation to politicise insecurity. This is a Nigerian problem that requires a collective national solution,” Abdullahi stated.
