Sh*ck And Outrage As Retired Generals React To Death If Gen. Abubakar In Bandit Camp

The demand was made on Thursday during a press conference held in Kaduna, addressed by Brigadier General Isma’ila Abdullahi (rtd) on behalf of the group.

They described the late General Abubakar’s death as a painful reminder of the worsening security situation in the country.

According to Abdullahi, “Our colleague, friend, and brother, Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), died following his abduction by cruel bandits. His sudden death has left us shocked and deeply saddened.”

While acknowledging the efforts of both the Federal Government and the Katsina State Government in securing the release of his wife, Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar, the group said the incident reflects the harsh realities many Nigerians face daily.

He noted that the tragedy goes beyond headlines, stressing that it highlights the challenges confronting the nation’s security architecture as kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism continue to affect communities nationwide.

The retired officers also expressed concern over the spread of insecurity in different regions and cautioned against politicising or giving ethnic or regional colouration to the issue.

They emphasised that insecurity requires a united national response.

“We must resist the temptation to politicise insecurity. This is a Nigerian problem that requires a collective national solution,” Abdullahi said.

The group urged the strengthening of security institutions, improved inter-agency collaboration, and greater investment in intelligence gathering and border security to curb illegal arms flow.

While welcoming international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, they stressed that the primary responsibility for protecting Nigeria lies with its own institutions and leadership.

Abdullahi said, “No foreign nation can secure Nigeria for us. International cooperation is important, but the responsibility for protecting Nigerians lies with our institutions and leadership.”

He also advocated stronger support for community-based security structures, particularly in rural areas vulnerable to attacks, suggesting that trained local volunteers could assist formal security agencies under proper supervision.

However, he warned against the uncontrolled spread of arms, insisting that community defence initiatives must be strictly regulated.

The group also recommended the establishment of forest guard units by state governments, with adequate training, logistics, and operational backing to enhance security in forested areas.

On the proposed State Police, the retired officers expressed support, but noted that only states with sufficient financial and institutional capacity should be allowed to implement such structures.

They further called on all levels of government to support families affected by insecurity and intensify efforts to secure the release of those still in captivity.

According to them, the death of Major General Abubakar should serve as a wake-up call for stronger political will and a coordinated national strategy to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security system.

Other attendees at the briefing included Brigadier General Abubakar Abdulqadir (rtd), Brigadier General M.I. Tsiga (rtd), Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (rtd), Ambassador Ibrahim Usman Gafai, and Ambassador Ahmed Muhammad Musawa.