Retired Generals Demand Stronger Crackdown on Banditry After Ex-Army Officer’s Death

Retired military officers and prominent Nigerians have called for urgent and decisive action against banditry following the death of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Abubakar Rabe (retd), who died after being abducted by bandits in Katsina State.

Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, the group described Rabe’s death as a reflection of Nigeria’s worsening security situation, warning that kidnapping, banditry and terrorism continue to threaten lives across the country. They urged the government to strengthen the nation’s security architecture and intensify efforts to combat criminal groups.

While commending President Bola Tinubu’s condemnation of the incident, the retired officers expressed concern over what they described as shortcomings in current anti banditry operations. They called for stronger political will, improved border security and greater cooperation with neighbouring countries to curb the movement of weapons and armed groups.

The group also urged northern governors to develop a coordinated regional security strategy and appealed for intensified efforts to rescue citizens still being held captive by criminal gangs.

Their call comes amid renewed public concern over insecurity in northern Nigeria, where attacks, kidnappings and bandit activities continue to pose major security challenges.