Retired military officers and associates of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd) have called for reforms in the nation’s security apparatus.
This was even as they called for stronger community defence mechanisms, improved border security and enhanced support for security personnel, following the retired general’s death in the hands of bandits.
The call was made on Thursday in Kaduna during a press conference addressed by Brigadier-General Isma’ila Abdullahi (retd), who spoke on behalf of colleagues and associates of the late senior military officer.
Those present at the briefing included: Brigadier-General Abubakar Abdulqadir (retd), Brigadier-General Maharu Tsiga (retd), Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (retd), Deputy Commander of NSCDC, Aminu Kofar Soro, Ambassador Ibrahim Usman Gafai and Ambassador Ahmed Muhammad Musawa.
Abdullahi described the death of General Rabe following his abduction in Katsina State as a painful reminder of the worsening insecurity confronting the country.
“Our colleague, friend and associate, General Rabe, died following his abduction in the hands of bandits around the Matazu area of Katsina State. His departure was sudden and has left us shocked and saddened,” he said.
He noted that while the Federal Government and Katsina State government made efforts that led to the rescue of the deceased’s wife, Hajia Amina Rabe Abubakar, the tragedy underscored the need for a more effective response to banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
According to him, the killing of the retired general was not merely an isolated incident, but a reflection of security challenges confronting the country.
“The death of General Rabe is not just a headline. It reflects a system that is struggling to guarantee safety for its citizens. Kidnapping, banditry and terrorism have become a painful reality for many Nigerians,” he stated.
The retired officers expressed concern that insecurity had spread across various parts of the country, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between conflict-prone and relatively peaceful areas.
The retired generals warned against politicising insecurity or giving it ethnic and regional colouration, stressing that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping are national challenges requiring collective action.
“We must resist the temptation to politicise insecurity. The challenge before us is a national problem and should be addressed through a united national response rather than ethnic or regional sentiments,” Abdullahi said.
The group called for the strengthening of security institutions, improved coordination among security agencies and increased investment in intelligence gathering as well as border management to curb the influx of illegal arms into the country.
They also welcomed ongoing international security cooperation aimed at combating terrorism, but stressed that Nigeria must take primary responsibility for securing its territory.
“No foreign nation can secure Nigeria for us. International partnerships are important, but the responsibility for protecting Nigerians rests on our institutions and leadership,” he said.
Responding to questions during the briefing, Abdullahi supported the idea of better equipping organised community-based security structures, particularly in rural areas frequently targeted by bandits.
He argued that local security volunteers and vigilante groups should not be left vulnerable when confronting armed criminal gangs.
“When bandits are confronting communities with sophisticated weapons, it becomes unrealistic to expect local defenders to rely on obsolete equipment. Communities can organise and train selected youths under proper supervision to assist in defending vulnerable areas,” he said.
He, however, cautioned against indiscriminate proliferation of arms, stressing that any such arrangement must be regulated and coordinated by relevant authorities.
The retired officers also urged state governments to establish forest guards to go beyond recruitment by providing adequate training, logistics and operational support.
tribuneonlineng.com
FOLLOW US ON:
