Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Tukur Buratai has warned that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity could spiral into the abduction or assassination of top political leaders if urgent and decisive actions are not taken.
In a strongly worded response to the reported capture, torture, and killing of former Defence spokesman, Rabe Abubakar, by armed bandits, he described the incident as a dangerous turning point in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
Recalling a warning he issued in 2021, the former Army chief said he had predicted that insurgency and banditry could persist for up to 20 years unless drastic measures were implemented.
He argued that recent developments suggest that prediction is increasingly becoming reality.
According to him. “The capture and killing of a senior military officer is not merely a tragedy; it marks a dangerous threshold.
“When a general falls into the hands of non-state actors, it signals a serious erosion of tactical deterrence.”
Buratai cautioned that if the trend continues unchecked, the next targets could extend beyond military personnel and civilians to include ministers, senators, and state governors.
Describing the situation as a national emergency, the ex-COAS urged both the federal and state governments to rethink their current security strategies and adopt a more coordinated approach.
Among his recommendations was the call for an end to what he described as reactive policies, including ransom payments and negotiations with criminal groups.
Instead, he advocated a full-scale military and intelligence offensive against insurgent and bandit networks.
Buratai further proposed the establishment of a National Emergency Command with direct authority over all security agencies operating in high-risk areas.
According to him, such a structure would help eliminate bureaucratic delays and ensure a unified response to security threats.
In addition, he urged authorities to target the financiers, informants, and collaborators who sustain criminal operations, including illegal mining networks, ransom negotiators, and corrupt intermediaries.
The retired general went on to charge state governors to play a more active role in security management by supporting state policing initiatives, strengthening vetted vigilante groups, and improving community intelligence networks.
While emphasising the need to enhance security arrangements for senior government officials, he stressed that the priority should be dismantling the broader criminal ecosystem that enables attacks on both public officials and ordinary citizens.
“I am a patriot. I fought for this nation, and I have no interest in scoring political points.
“If we do not radically change our approach today, the headlines of tomorrow may make today’s tragedy seem like only a warning.”
Buratai however expressed optimism that the death of Rabe Abubakar would catalyse urgent reforms, urging leaders at all levels to act decisively before the security situation deteriorates any further.
