Ex-Army Chief calls for urgent, coordinated military offensive after killing of Major General Rabe signals dangerous escalation

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has sounded a grave warning that Nigeria’s deepening insecurity could soon put top political office holders in the line of fire if urgent action is not taken.

Reacting on Sunday to the killing of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe by bandits, Buratai described the incident as a chilling turning point, indicating that criminal groups are becoming more daring, organised, and sophisticated.

He cautioned that the violence, if left unchecked, could extend beyond civilians and security personnel to the highest levels of government.

“If this trend continues, the next targets may include ministers, senators, and even state governors. No leader will be immune,” Buratai warned.

The retired general said the killing of a senior military officer marks a dangerous new phase in Nigeria’s security crisis. He recalled his 2021 warning that insurgency and banditry would persist for years without decisive intervention, noting that events have now validated that prediction.

“The capture and killing of Major General Rabe Abubakar is not just tragic; it signals a troubling escalation,” he said.

Buratai further noted that armed groups now operate with better intelligence, improved weaponry, and increased confidence, posing a serious threat to national stability. He criticised the continued reliance on ransom payments and negotiations, arguing that such approaches only embolden criminal elements.

“The current reactive approach must end. What is needed is a full-scale, coordinated military and intelligence offensive,” he stated.

As part of his recommendations, Buratai called for the creation of a unified security command in high-risk states, with direct control over all security agencies to eliminate delays and improve response times.

He also urged authorities to dismantle the networks enabling banditry, including illegal miners, intermediaries in ransom deals, and local collaborators.

“Bandits do not operate in isolation. They depend on networks of enablers—corrupt middlemen, illegal miners, and negotiators. These actors must be identified and prosecuted. Supporting terrorism must carry severe consequences,” he said.

Buratai stressed that only a comprehensive, nationwide strategy—combining military force, intelligence coordination, and legal enforcement—can reverse the growing insecurity and restore public confidence in the government’s ability to safeguard lives and property.