Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has warned that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity could escalate to the point where top political office holders become targets of bandits and insurgents.
Buratai gave the warning while reacting to the abduction and killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, describing the incident as a dangerous signal that non-state actors are becoming more daring.
According to him, the killing of a senior military officer shows a serious erosion of tactical deterrence and should serve as a wake-up call to authorities at all levels.
He warned that if the situation continues unchecked, the threat may no longer be limited to soldiers and ordinary citizens, but could extend to ministers, senators and state governors.
Buratai urged the Federal Government to review the current security strategy, saying terrorists and bandits now operate with strong intelligence networks, heavy weapons and growing confidence.
He also called for a comprehensive military and intelligence offensive against criminal groups, while urging authorities to dismantle the support networks behind terrorism, including financiers, informants and collaborators.
The former army chief further advised state governors to take greater responsibility by supporting community intelligence systems, vetted vigilante groups and stronger local security structures.
He stressed that Nigeria’s insecurity has become a national emergency and urged leaders to act decisively before the crisis worsens.
