Six military commanders, retired General killed as insecurity worsens in Nigeria

No fewer than six serving military commanders and one retired Major General have lost their lives to terrorist and bandit attacks since the beginning of 2026, highlighting the worsening security crisis across Nigeria.

The latest victim is retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who died in captivity weeks after bandits abducted him and his wife in Katsina State.

The killing of military personnel has intensified concerns over the country’s prolonged battle against insurgency, banditry and kidnapping, with attacks continuing across several parts of the country.

On February 16, Boko Haram fighters attacked Mandaragirau community in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State and killed Lieutenant Colonel O.C. Okolo. The military later buried him in his hometown of Obinofia Ndiuno in Enugu State.

Less than a month later, terrorists killed Major U.I. Mairiga, Commander of the Mayenti military base in Borno State.

On March 6, Boko Haram insurgents attacked a military battalion in Konduga, killing Lieutenant Colonel S.I. Iliyasu.

Three days later, another attack claimed the life of Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq during a raid on a military formation in Borno State.

The violence continued in April when attackers killed Colonel I.A. Mohammed, Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Army’s 242 Battalion in Monguno.

On April 9, suspected ISWAP fighters also killed Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah during an operation.

The most recent tragedy involved retired Major General Rabe Abubakar. Bandits abducted him and his wife on May 30 along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Days after the abduction, the couple appeared in a video released by their captors. The kidnappers demanded the release of three detained associates and the return of seized livestock.

In the video, Abubakar’s wife appealed to the Katsina State Government and local leaders to help secure their freedom.

However, the Katsina State Government later confirmed that the retired general died in captivity due to complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.

Nobody is safe – Nigerians react

Social media was on Saturday flooded with posts from concerned Nigerians, who expressed deep anger over the inability of the government to rescue General Rabe until he died.

Following the announcement of Rabe’s death, some political bigwigs took to their X handle to mourn the former general and commented on the broader challenge of insecurity in the country.

Nigeria Cannot Continue Like This — Peter Obi

Reacting to the development, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi described the incident as a national tragedy.

He said it was heartbreaking that a retired senior military officer who dedicated his life to protecting the nation could fall victim to criminal elements.

Obi argued that the incident reflects the scale of insecurity confronting the country and called for a more proactive, intelligence-driven and technology-based approach to tackling crime.

He urged the government to strengthen security institutions, improve intelligence gathering, secure the nation’s borders and equip security personnel adequately.

Insecurity Becoming a National Disaster — Sam Amadi

Former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi, also condemned the development.

He questioned how a retired general could remain in captivity for weeks without being rescued and described the situation as a national disaster.

According to him, repeated cases of kidnapping and killings demonstrate the urgent need for stronger security measures.

Nigerians Endangered in Their Own Country — David Mark

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, said Nigerians now face growing threats from terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The former Senate President noted that insecurity has continued to affect communities across the country for more than a decade and called for a united effort to confront criminality.

Tinubu Vows No Concessions to Terrorists

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s stance against negotiating with terrorists.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the government would not bow to demands for the release of detained terrorists.

Tinubu warned bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror to surrender or face the full force of the law.

He stressed that the government’s window for surrender would not remain open indefinitely and vowed that authorities would show no mercy to those responsible for violence against Nigerians.