Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.)
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, warning that top government officials could soon become targets of bandits and insurgents if urgent action is not taken.
The retired military chief made the remarks while reacting to reports of the killing of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe by armed criminals, an incident he described as a disturbing sign of how emboldened bandits and insurgents have become.
According to Buratai, the murder of a senior military officer signals a dangerous new phase in Nigeria’s security challenges and should serve as a wake-up call for both the government and the public.
“If this trend continues unchecked, the next targets may not be soldiers or civilians alone. They could include ministers, senators, and even state governors. No leader will be immune,” Buratai warned.
The former army chief recalled that he had previously cautioned in 2021 that insurgency and banditry could persist for years if decisive action was not taken. He noted that recent developments appear to confirm those fears.
“Today, our nation is witnessing the grim unfolding of that prediction. The capture, torture and eventual killing of a senior military officer, Major General Rabe Abubakar, is not merely a tragedy; it marks a dangerous threshold,” he said.
Buratai argued that criminal groups have become increasingly sophisticated, operating with improved intelligence networks, better weaponry, and greater confidence. He warned that unless authorities adopt a stronger and more coordinated response, the security situation could deteriorate further.
The retired general also criticized the practice of negotiating with bandits and paying ransoms, insisting that such approaches have failed to deliver lasting solutions and may have inadvertently strengthened criminal networks.
“The current reactive strategy, paying ransoms and negotiating with criminals, must end. It is time for a full-scale, coordinated military and intelligence offensive,” he declared.
As part of his recommendations, Buratai called on the Federal Government to establish a unified security command with direct authority over all agencies operating in areas facing severe security threats. According to him, such a structure would eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and improve operational effectiveness.
“The Federal Government should establish a unified command with direct authority over all security agencies operating in high-risk states, eliminating bureaucratic delays,” he advised.
Beyond military action, Buratai stressed the importance of dismantling the support systems that enable criminal groups to thrive. He argued that bandits do not operate in isolation but depend on networks of collaborators who provide funding, logistics, and intelligence.
“Bandits do not survive on AK-47s alone. They rely on networks of corrupt middlemen, illegal miners, ransom negotiators and local collaborators. These individuals must be identified, arrested and prosecuted. The cost of supporting terrorism should be made unbearable,” he stated.
His comments come at a time when insecurity remains a major concern in several parts of the country, particularly in the North-East and North-West, where communities continue to face attacks, kidnappings, and other violent crimes.
Security analysts say Buratai’s warning highlights the growing urgency for a more aggressive and coordinated national response. Many believe that restoring public confidence will require not only stronger military operations but also improved intelligence gathering, effective law enforcement, and the prosecution of those who aid criminal activities.
For the former army chief, the message is clear, Nigeria can no longer afford a reactive approach to insecurity. Without decisive leadership, stronger coordination, and sustained action against criminal networks, the threat posed by bandits and insurgents could extend far beyond ordinary citizens.
His warning serves as a sobering reminder that the fight against insecurity is not just about protecting vulnerable communities but safeguarding the nation’s future and ensuring that no Nigerian, regardless of status or position, becomes the next victim.
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