By Kingsley Omonobi
Some coursetmates, colleagues and associates of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), former Director of Defence Information, have called for urgent reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture, describing his death in bandits’ captivity as a stark reminder of the country’s worsening insecurity.
The group, represented by retired Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi, Ambassador A. Mohammed Musawa and retired Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, made the call on Thursday while paying tribute to the late officer, whom they described as a disciplined and dedicated military professional.
General Abubakar was kidnapped alongside his wife, Hajia Amina Rabe Abubakar, in the Matazu area of Katsina State. While his wife was later rescued, 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 exposed to banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
They acknowledged efforts by the Federal Government and the Katsina State Government in securing the release of his wife, 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 vulnerable to abductions.
According to them, insecurity has spread across the country to the extent that it is becoming difficult to distinguish between conflict 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 requiring 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 counterterrorism 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.
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