Kaduna, Nigeria
Colleagues, friends and associates of the late Director of Defence Information, Major General Abubakar Rabe (retd.), have called for urgent reforms in Nigeria's security architecture, following his death in the hands of bandits after being kidnapped in Katsina State.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, the group described the death of General Rabe as not merely an isolated incident but a reflection of the broader security challenges confronting the country. "Kidnappings, banditry and terrorism have become a daily reality for many Nigerians, while public confidence in government's ability to protect lives and property continues to decline," they said.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for his strong reaction to the incident, the retired officers expressed concern over what they described as persistent shortcomings in the nation's counter-insurgency and anti-banditry efforts. They noted that insecurity has spread across the country to the extent that it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between conflict zones and peaceful regions.
The group called for stronger political will at all levels of government, improved border security, and stronger regional cooperation with Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin Republic to curb the illegal movement of arms and criminal elements. They also urged the 19 Northern governors to develop and implement a regional security framework to address banditry, terrorism and the proliferation of illegal weapons.
"No foreign nation can defend Nigeria for us. Effective security strategies must be driven by strong national institutions, adequate funding and coordinated implementation," the group stated.