The worsening security crisis in Nigeria has taken a disturbing turn as even retired senior military officers are no longer safe from the deadly reach of terrorists and bandits.
The latest casualty is Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information and one-time Army Spokesman (2015–2017). He was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, in Matazu area of Katsina State by suspected bandits. Despite frantic efforts to secure his release, the gallant officer died in captivity on June 13, 2026, due to complications from diabetes and hypertension.
His death has triggered outrage within the military community, with several retired generals openly condemning the Federal Government’s handling of the nation’s security challenges.
Ex-Generals Speak Out
Retired Brigadier-General Bashir Adewinbi described the incident as “very unfortunate and pathetic,” stating that it sends a dangerous signal to both Nigerians and the international community about the country’s deteriorating security situation.
He warned that the failure to protect even retired officers who served the nation honourably may soon force citizens to take their own security into their hands by any means necessary.
Brigadier-General John Sura echoed the frustration, noting that the vulnerability of high-ranking officers shows that “no Nigerian is safe anymore.” According to him, “If this country can abandon somebody like a retired general to terrorists or bandits, then even a senator, a governor, or any ordinary citizen can fall prey.”
Other retired officers, including former Senate President Brigadier-General David Mark, have also described the killing as a national tragedy, calling for urgent and decisive action from the government.
A Growing List of Fallen Generals
Major General Rabe Abubakar’s death adds to a worrying list of senior officers lost in recent years:
– Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, killed in a Boko Haram/ISWAP attack in Borno State in April 2026.
– Brigadier General Musa Uba, ambushed and killed by ISWAP fighters in Borno.
– Several other lieutenant colonels and colonels who have fallen in ambushes and base attacks across the Northeast and Northwest.
These incidents have raised serious questions about the safety of military personnel and the overall effectiveness of ongoing counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations.
Government Response
The Defence Headquarters has condemned the incident and vowed to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice. President Bola Tinubu has also reiterated his administration’s commitment to fighting terrorism and banditry across the country.
However, critics argue that repeated vows without visible results have lost their impact, especially as the body count of senior officers continues to rise.
The death of Major General Rabe Abubakar is more than just the loss of one officer. It is a painful symbol of a security crisis that now spares no one — not even those who spent their lives defending the nation.
As ex-generals continue to voice their frustration, many Nigerians are asking: How many more senior officers must die before decisive action is taken?
Source: Punch NG and other reports.
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