Ministers, Governors May Become Next Targets for Terrorists, Says Buratai

June 15, () — Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.) has raised the alarm over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, warning that it could degenerate further if drastic and firm measures are not taken now.

“When (an army) general falls into the hands of non-state actors, it signals a serious erosion of tactical deterrence. If this trend continues unchecked, the next targets may not be soldiers or civilians alone. They could include ministers, senators, and even state governors,” he said.

In a statement entitled, “A frank and patriotic advice on Nigeria’s escalating security crisis,” issued on the heels of the abduction and subsequent killing of a retired, senior military officer, Major Gen. Rabe Abubakar, Gen. Buratai lamented that the slaying of the former Army Spokesperson by his abductors should serve as a warning to the authorities, stating that insecurity continues to worsen despite repeated concerns raised by security experts.

General Buratai recalled a similar warning he issued in 2021 that insurgency and banditry could continue for many years if decisive action was not taken and restated that the current reactive measures of negotiating and paying ransom to bandits and terrorists must stop amid full-scale military and intelligence offensives.

“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 stated, adding that, “The current reactive strategy, paying ransoms and negotiating with criminals, must end. It is time for a full-scale, coordinated military and intelligence offensive,”

The late Major-General Rabe Abubakar was on his way to his hometown when he was abducted alongside his wife, along the Katsina–Matazu Road, Katsina State on May 30, 2026 and died from what the state government described as complications arising from diabetes and hypertension during his ordeal after efforts to secure his release failed.

He was laid to rest at about 6:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery, located opposite his residence in Katsina metropolis, following funeral rites attended by a large crowd of mourners.

According to the former Army Chief, the current strategy of dealing with non-state actors has emboldened them to deploy comparatively better intelligence, more advanced weapons with growing confidence.

He urged the government to immediately create a unified security command that would directly oversee operations in states facing serious security threats.

“The Federal Government should establish National Emergency Command with direct authority over all security agencies operating in high-risk states, eliminating bureaucratic delays,” he advised, adding that, “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.” Buratai said.

He said that since “Insecurity is no longer a regional problem; it is a national emergency,” only a coordinated national response can prevent the security situation from deteriorating further and help restore public confidence.

He also called on governors across the country to be more proactive in addressing unabated insecurity in their domains by providing support for approved vigilantes and community support groups.

Calling “for enhanced protection of public officials through improved intelligence sharing and counter-ambush measures,” he noted that “the ultimate objective should be the dismantling of the criminal ecosystem fuelling insecurity across the country.

“If we do not radically change our approach today, the headlines of tomorrow may make today’s tragedy seem like only a warning,” he added, saying that “the abduction of senior political leaders is not inevitable, it could become a realistic threat if the country continues with the business as usual approach to insecurity.”

Meanwhile, a high-powered delegation from the Defence Headquarters on Sunday paid a condolence visit to the Katsina State Government over the death of retired Major General Rabe Abdullahi, assuring that efforts are underway to bring those responsible for his killing to justice.

The delegation, led by the Chief Administration Officer, Defence Headquarters, Major General I.M. Abdullahi, was received by the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, on behalf of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and the people of the state.

Other members of the delegation included Major General W.B. Idris (Theatre Commander), Rear Admiral A.H. Haruna, Major General B.P. Koughna, Brigadier General I.M. Ibrahim, Brigadier General S.K. Usman (Rtd), A.U.M. S.I. Kaita (Rtd), Major General M.S. Bindawa (Rtd), and A.U.M. A.Y. Abdullahi.

Speaking during the visit by the DHQ delegation, Major General Abdullahi said the delegation was in Katsina to convey the condolences of the Defence Headquarters and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the government and people of the state over the loss of the retired military officer, who was reportedly killed by bandits.

He described the late Major General Rabe Abdullahi as a distinguished officer whose service and sacrifice to the nation would not be forgotten, noting that his death was a tragic loss not only to his family and Katsina State but also to the country.

The senior military officer assured the state government that the Defence Headquarters remained committed to strengthening security operations and supporting efforts to track down and prosecute those behind the killing.

“We share in the grief of the people of Katsina and the family of the deceased. The Armed Forces will continue to work with relevant security agencies to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice,” he said. Responding on behalf of the Katsina State Government, Deputy Governor Jobe expressed appreciation to the military leadership for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of solidarity and support during a difficult period for the state.

He reiterated the commitment of the state government to working closely with security agencies to combat banditry and other criminal activities, while ensuring that those responsible for the crime face the full weight of the law.

The deputy governor also stressed that the administration remained steadfast in its resolve to protect lives and property, and called for sustained and intensified security operations across Katsina State and the country.

The visit ended with a solemn one-minute silence in honour of the late Major General Abdullahi, Rtd.

Also, one of the sons of the late army general, Isyaka Rabe, has disputed official claims by the Katsina State Government that his father died from complications of diabetes and hypertension.

Isyaka in an interview with Deutsche Welle on Sunday stated that his father had no known history of diabetes and hypertension.

“I truly don’t believe it was diabetes. In our view, it was a heart attack. If you look at it, his legs were restrained. Moreover, some people said that he was walking, and he didn’t die, so God knows, since only God is the knower,” he said, adding that his mother was still in captivity.

“When I announced the time for my father’s funeral prayer, many people began asking how the body was recovered. I told them I did not know and that they should direct such questions to the government,” he said.