The killing of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe while in the custody of kidnappers has triggered widespread concern, with security experts warning that failure to rescue his widow could further embolden criminal groups across Nigeria.
Security expert, Dr. Yahuza Getso, said the government must act swiftly to rescue the late general’s wife, warning that any delay could create the impression that criminals are more powerful than the state.
“If the state fails to rescue the widow promptly, it sends a dangerous message that criminal groups are stronger than the government,” Getso said.
A former military intelligence officer, Abubakar Ibrahim, also warned that anything short of decisive action could encourage criminal networks to intensify their activities.
“The international community is watching. It is either we win this battle or face grave consequences,” he said.
Residents in Katsina, where the retired general hailed from, expressed fears over the growing insecurity, saying the incident had deepened public anxiety.
Malam Sama’ila Balarabe said the attack demonstrated that insecurity now affects people regardless of status or position.
“If someone of his standing is not safe, then who is? People are afraid and are losing confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives,” he said.
Another resident, Malam Bashir Usman Ruwangodiya, urged security agencies to take stronger action against criminal groups, warning that continued inaction could lead to more attacks on security personnel and civilians.
Tinubu: Terrorists Will Not Force Government’s Hand
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed shock over the death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, insisting that his administration would not bow to terrorists’ demands.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the government would not release detained terrorist allies as demanded by criminal groups.
He added that Nigerians must remain united, assuring that the government would continue efforts to defeat terrorism and insurgency.
The President commiserated with the family of the late general, particularly his wife, who remains in captivity.
The Defence Headquarters described Major General Rabe as a dedicated officer who made significant contributions to counter-insurgency operations and the professional development of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Atiku: Death Shows Nation Under Siege
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the death of General Rabe as evidence of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
Atiku said the incident was a “damning indictment” of the government’s failure to adequately protect citizens, noting that the retired general spent much of his life defending the country.
He also raised concerns over renewed attacks in Borno State, including the destruction of educational facilities in Chibok, describing the situation as a reminder of Nigeria’s unresolved security challenges.
CISLAC Demands Probe of Security Spending
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) said the killing of General Rabe highlights the country’s deepening insecurity despite huge financial allocations to defence and security.
CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, called for a comprehensive audit of security spending, questioning why insecurity continues to worsen despite increased funding.
He demanded greater transparency, accountability and improved welfare, training and equipment for security personnel.
The organisation also urged the government to adopt intelligence-led operations and establish measurable targets for security agencies.
Military Officers Increasingly Targeted
The death of General Rabe adds to a growing list of senior military officers and security personnel who have been killed or abducted by terrorists and criminal groups.
Among them are retired Major General Mohammed Idris Alkali, former Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, retired Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Maisaka, and retired Major General Richard Duru.
Other senior officers, including retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga and retired Colonel Joseph Ajanaku, were abducted in recent years, with some rescued after prolonged captivity.
Security analysts say the repeated attacks on military personnel underline the urgent need for stronger intelligence gathering, improved operational capacity and a more coordinated response to Nigeria’s insecurity crisis.
