The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for a comprehensive probe of defence expenditure and security votes across the country following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in bandits' captivity. The group also urged the Federal Government to declare a national emergency on insecurity, warning that the worsening wave of kidnappings, banditry and violent attacks has exposed deep flaws in Nigeria's security architecture.
CISLAC Executive Director's Statement
Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, in a statement on Sunday described the death of the retired military officer as a tragic reflection of the country's deteriorating security situation. According to Rafsanjani, the incident demonstrates that insecurity has reached alarming levels, making even former senior military commanders vulnerable to criminal groups.
“The death of a retired Major General in captivity is not only a personal tragedy but a national one that reflects the alarming state of insecurity in the country. If a decorated military officer who dedicated his life to defending Nigeria can fall victim to bandits, then ordinary Nigerians face even greater risk,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria has continued to lose military officers, security personnel, traditional rulers, community leaders and ordinary citizens to criminal elements despite huge investments in security.
Concerns Over Security Spending
Rafsanjani expressed concern that insecurity has persisted despite the Federal Government's allocation of N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget, described as the largest security allocation in the country's history. He argued that the continued prevalence of kidnappings, banditry and terrorist attacks raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of security spending and the nation's overall security strategy.
The CISLAC executive director cited a recent Amnesty International report indicating that at least 1,100 people were abducted between January and April 2026 in northern Nigeria, particularly in rural communities and camps for internally displaced persons.
Criticism of Official Statements
Rafsanjani also faulted recent comments by senior defence officials, describing them as evidence of a troubling lack of urgency and accountability in addressing the country's security crisis. He specifically criticised remarks attributed to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, that only God can ultimately bring an end to insecurity in Nigeria.
While acknowledging the importance of faith, Rafsanjani argued that such statements are inappropriate coming from public officials whose constitutional responsibility is to protect lives and property. “Nigerians did not appoint Ministers of Defence to tell them that only God can solve insecurity. They were appointed to develop strategies, mobilise resources, strengthen security institutions and deliver results. Leadership requires action, not excuses,” Rafsanjani said.
According to him, hundreds of Nigerians, including women, children and elderly citizens, remain in captivity across different parts of the country while political leaders appear more focused on political calculations than on the security emergency confronting the nation. He argued that if political actors can mobilise massive support and resources during election campaigns, they should demonstrate the same level of commitment and urgency in mobilising national resources against insecurity.
Questions on Weapons Procurement
Rafsanjani also questioned recent comments by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa rtd, who attributed difficulties in procuring military equipment to global conflicts involving Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Iran and the United States. The minister had argued that countries involved in those conflicts were making large advance payments for military hardware, making procurement more difficult for others.
While acknowledging that global conflicts may affect defence procurement, Rafsanjani said such explanations cannot excuse years of insecurity despite enormous allocations to the defence sector. “Criminal groups operating across Nigeria do not appear to be suffering from shortages of weapons. Nigerians deserve answers about how terrorists, bandits and kidnappers continue to access arms while citizens are told that procurement challenges are responsible for the failure to defeat insecurity,” he stated.
He stressed that the continued reliance on external factors and official explanations does little to comfort families who have lost loved ones or those still held hostage by criminal groups. Rafsanjani further argued that the comments by both ministers highlight a broader governance problem in which public officials often offer explanations instead of measurable solutions.
Call for Intelligence and Oversight
Rafsanjani also questioned how criminal groups continue to access weapons and operate across the country despite the presence of multiple intelligence agencies and significant budgetary allocations to security institutions. He called for improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency coordination and decisive efforts to dismantle criminal networks.
The CISLAC boss demanded an independent audit of defence expenditure and security votes at both federal and state levels to determine whether public resources are being effectively utilised. He also faulted the National Assembly for inadequate oversight of security spending, arguing that rising allocations should be matched by measurable improvements in public safety.
Rafsanjani urged the government to improve the welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity of security personnel while pursuing comprehensive security sector reforms to restore public confidence and strengthen national security. “The death of General Rabe should be a wake-up call. This crisis will not spare anyone. Today it is ordinary citizens, community leaders and retired military officers. Tomorrow it could affect those currently occupying positions of authority,” he said.
