According to report by Vanguard News on Sunday, June 14, 2026, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has expressed concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, warning that the country could face even greater threats if authorities fail to adopt stronger and more effective measures.
He cautioned that the growing boldness of criminal groups could eventually place top public officials, including ministers, senators, and governors, at risk.
Buratai made the remarks in a statement in response to reports surrounding the abduction and killing of senior military officer Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar.
According to him, the incident reflects a troubling escalation in the activities of insurgents and bandits and highlights the urgent need for a reassessment of the nation’s security strategy.
The retired military officer noted that the ability of non-state actors to target and kill a senior military figure suggests a weakening of deterrence and an increase in the operational capabilities of criminal groups.
He warned that if the trend continues unchecked, attacks could increasingly be directed at political leaders and other high-profile individuals.
Buratai recalled earlier concerns he raised in 2021, when he predicted that insurgency and banditry could remain major threats for many years unless decisive action was taken. He argued that recent developments appear to support those warnings.
He urged the Federal Government to acknowledge the limitations of current security measures and adopt a more aggressive approach.
According to him, bandits and insurgents now possess advanced intelligence networks, sophisticated weapons, and growing confidence in challenging state authority.
The former Nigerian ambassador to the Benin Republic called for an end to negotiations with criminal groups and advocated a coordinated military and intelligence offensive aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks.
He pointed to military operations carried out between 2015 and 2019 as evidence that sustained pressure can weaken insurgent groups.
Buratai also proposed the creation of a National Emergency Command to coordinate security operations in high-risk areas and report directly to the President.
Additionally, he called for efforts to identify and prosecute financiers, informants, and collaborators who support criminal networks.
He urged governors to strengthen local security initiatives and community intelligence systems, stressing that Nigeria’s security crisis requires urgent, united, and decisive action to prevent further deteriorat
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