Senate orders crackdown on bandits flaunting crime cash on TikTok

 

By News Desk

Prime Brief Media | June 15, 2026

ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has warned that Nigeria’s worsening security situation could deteriorate further, cautioning that political leaders, including ministers, senators and governors, may become targets of bandits and insurgents.

Speaking in the wake of the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in captivity, Buratai said the “vicious cycle of violence” is spiralling out of control. “If we do not act decisively now, the next victims could be sitting governors, ministers, or even senators,” he warned.

Buratai called for urgent and decisive measures to dismantle bandit networks, strengthen intelligence coordination, and protect political leadership. He argued that the killing of a retired senior military officer in captivity represents a dangerous escalation that should alarm the entire nation.

His warning echoes concerns raised by the Northern Elders Forum and other civil society groups, which have called on President Tinubu to declare a national security emergency.

The death of Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, has triggered widespread outrage. The retired general died from complications of diabetes and hypertension while in bandit custody.

The Presidency has not yet responded to Buratai’s warning. However, security analysts note that the former army chief’s comments carry weight given his experience commanding troops in counter‑insurgency operations.

Key Facts

• Source: Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), former Chief of Army Staff
• Warning: Political leaders may become targets
• Context: Death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in captivity
• Date: June 14, 2026

Why This Matters

Buratai’s warning is not hyperbole. In the past year, bandits have expanded their operational reach, attacking military convoys, abducting traditional rulers, and now killing a retired general in captivity. If political leaders are targeted, it would represent a seismic shift in the nature of the insurgency. The government’s ability to protect its own leadership is a minimum threshold of state capacity; if it fails, confidence in the entire security apparatus could collapse.

This report is based on the former army chief’s public statement, which has been verified by multiple news outlets.