Senate orders crackdown on bandits flaunting crime cash on TikTok

By News Desk

Prime Brief Media | June 15, 2026

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on insecurity and order a comprehensive audit of Nigeria’s record N5.41 trillion defence budget.

The call follows the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died in bandit captivity after two weeks in custody. CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, questioned why the largest security allocation in Nigeria’s history has not translated into safety for citizens.

“President Tinubu disclosed on Democracy Day that the 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion to defence and security – the largest security allocation in Nigeria’s history. Yet, a retired general dies in captivity. Where is the money going?” Rafsanjani asked.

He called for a state of emergency to be declared, which would allow the government to deploy extraordinary measures to dismantle bandit networks, secure rural communities, and ensure that security spending is properly accounted for.

CISLAC also urged the National Assembly to conduct a public hearing on defence procurement and spending, arguing that a lack of transparency has enabled corruption and inefficiency.

The Presidency has not yet responded to CISLAC’s demands.

Key Facts

• 2026 defence budget: N5.41 trillion (largest in Nigeria’s history)
• CISLAC demand: State of emergency on insecurity
• Second demand: Comprehensive audit of defence spending
• Trigger event: Death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in captivity

CISLAC’s demand goes to the heart of the security crisis: why is record spending not producing results? If billions of naira are being allocated to defence but bandits continue to operate with impunity, the issue may not be inadequate resources but inadequate accountability. A state of emergency would provide the government with sweeping powers but would also signal that the situation is truly desperate. Whether Tinubu will take that step remains to be seen.