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Former COAS Buratai Calls Attention to Security Challenges Home Nigeria Former COAS Buratai Calls Attention to Security Challenges Nigeria Former COAS Buratai Calls Attention to Security Challenges June 15, 2026 0 6 Share Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp The Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (Rtd), has warned that Nigeria’s insurgency and banditry crisis could spiral into direct attacks on ministers, senators, and state governors unless the government adopts a radically different security strategy. General Buratai, who first raised the alarm in 2021 that Nigeria’s security challenges might persist for two decades without decisive action, said the recent killing of a senior military officer has now pushed the nation to a “ dangerous threshold .” “ The capture, torture, and eventual killing of a senior military officer, Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, is not merely a tragedy; it marks a dangerous threshold,” Buratai said in a statement obtained by Voice of Nigeria. “ When a general falls into the hands of non-state actors, it signals a serious erosion of tactical deterrence . If this trend continues unchecked, the next targets may not be soldiers or civilians alone.…

Atiku, NEF Demand Security Emergency As Insecurity Worsens, Falana-Led ... Presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has told the federal government to declare emergency in security to empower commanders with more freedom to act decisively and proactively against terrorists and other criminal elements. Atiku decried the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, and expressed concern that  terrorists and bandits’ attacks were now targeted not only at wasting precious human lives, but also crippling the country’s education. Northern Elders Forum (NEF) also called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a national security emergency, warning that escalating violence, kidnappings, and bandit attacks across the country pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s stability and economic wellbeing. The calls came as a coalition of civil society organisations, labour activists, youth groups, community associations, and concerned citizens declared June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, a day of nationwide protest and mass action against worsening insecurity, widespread hunger, and deepening economic hardship across the country. At the same time, an elder statesman, Umar Ajiya, raise…

Nigeria: Dan'iya Calls for Urgent Action On Reported Displacement in Sokoto Communities [Vanguard] Sokoto -- The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, has called for urgent measures to address the security challenges facing parts of the state following reports that residents of several communities in Danchadi District of Bodinga Local Government Area have fled their homes.

Why Nigeria can no longer afford to wait on State Police - Ex-AIG Why Nigeria can no longer afford to wait on State Police – Ex-AIG By : Rotimi Agboluaje Date: 17 June 2026 3:40pm WAT Share : Follow Us on Google Discover Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ade Ajakaiye , has renewed calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that Nigeria’s worsening security crisis has exposed the limitations of the country’s centralised policing structure. Ajakaiye, who made the call in a statement made available to The Guardian in Ibadan, maintained that rising incidents of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, and communal conflicts across the country have made decentralised policing an urgent national necessity rather than a political option. According to him, the current security architecture is overstretched and unable to respond effectively to local threats, stressing that state police would enhance intelligence gathering, improve response times, strengthen community trust, and enable states to address peculiar security challenges within their jurisdiction…

Kidnapping: Ministers, Senators, Governors May Become Targets, Buratai ... Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (Rtd.) has warned that Nigeria’s worsening security situation could deteriorate further if urgent and decisive measures are not taken, cautioning that political leaders, including ministers, senators, and governors, may become targets of bandits and insurgents. He proposed the establishment of a National Emergency Command with direct authority over all security agencies operating in high-risk areas, saying such a structure would eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and improve operational effectiveness. Buratai further stressed the need to target the financiers and collaborators who sustain criminal networks, including illegal miners, ransom negotiators, and local informants. “Bandits do not survive on weapons alone. They depend on support networks that must be identified, dismantled, and prosecuted,” he stated. Buratai in a statement titled, “A frank and patriotic advice on Nigeria’s escalating security crisis,” followed reports surrounding the abduction and killing of a senior military officer, and former Military Spokesman Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar in Ka…

Nigeria must unite against insecurity, says Abdulsalami Abubakar Nigeria must unite against insecurity, says Abdulsalami Abubakar By : Oluyemi Ogunseyin Date: 19 June 2026 1:46pm WAT Share : Follow Us on Google Discover Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd) Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd) Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has called on Nigerians to unite in the fight against insecurity, stressing that defeating terrorism and other forms of criminality requires the collective efforts of citizens, security agencies, and governments at all levels. Abdulsalami made the call in a statement issued to mark his 84th birthday, where he reflected on the state of the nation and expressed concern over the worsening security situation across the country. The former military leader said the recent death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe and the loss of many other Nigerians to insecurity underscore the urgent need for collective action to restore peace and stability. Drawing from his years of service in the Nigerian Armed Forces, including participation in the Nigerian Civil War and international peacekeeping oper…

'Tinubu Has No Handle on Insecurity, Nigerians Will Reject Him': Baba ... Screenshot National Leader of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has said President Bola Tinubu has lost control of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, warning that the president’s leadership failure will ultimately lead to public rejection if urgent action is not taken. Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed said the country was facing a rapidly deteriorating security situation, with violent attacks and kidnappings spreading across all regions of Nigeria. “President Tinubu has no handle on escalating violence every part of Nigeria is now vulnerable to insecurity. In a civilised democracy, President Tinubu’s record on insecurity would have cost him his seat a long time ago.” Baba-Ahmed accused the government of failing to confront the reality of escalating violence, saying insecurity had become widespread and unchecked across the country. “Every time children from generals to toddlers are stolen, every inch of Nigeria is now vulnerable to insecurity. Children, toddlers in school have been stolen.” He said the administration and its inner circle appeared to be nor…

FG taking necessary steps to end insecurity in Nigeria, says AGF The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has publicly affirmed that the Federal Government is implementing a multi-faceted and decisive strategy to combat the pervasive insecurity challenges facing Nigeria. This declaration underscores a renewed commitment from the highest echelons of power to restore peace and stability across the nation, a sentiment that resonates with the hopeful phrase, democracy has come to mean security for all. The administration’s approach moves beyond mere rhetoric, focusing on tangible actions aimed at dismantling the networks that fuel violence and instability. Central to this strategy is a robust legal and judicial offensive. The government is intensifying efforts to prosecute individuals and groups involved in terrorist activities, banditry, and other forms of criminality. This involves strengthening the capacity of the judiciary to handle complex security-related cases and ensuring that justice is delivered swiftly and fairly. The recent focus on a major syndicate ‘pull ned operation highlights the government’s resolve to target the financial and logistical underp…

Ministers, governors may become bandits' next targets - Buratai Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has warned that Nigeria’s growing insecurity could soon put senior government officials, including ministers, senators and governors, at risk if urgent action is not taken. Buratai made the statement on Sunday while reacting to reports that retired Major General Abubakar Rabe was killed by bandits. He described the killing of a senior military officer as a serious security concern, saying it shows that criminal groups are becoming more daring. “If this trend continues unchecked, the next targets may not be soldiers or civilians alone. They could include ministers, senators, and even state governors. No leader will be immune,” Buratai said. The former army chief said the incident should serve as a warning to the country, noting that insecurity continues to worsen despite repeated concerns raised by security experts. He recalled warning in 2021 that insurgency and banditry could continue for many years if decisive action was not taken. “Today, our nation is witnessing the grim unfolding of that prediction. The capture, torture and eventual killing of a senior m…

Nigeria: Retired Military Officers Warn Against Ethnicising Insecurity [Vanguard] Retired military officers and associates of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar have cautioned Nigerians against blaming the North for the country's worsening insecurity, insisting that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping have evolved into a nationwide threat affecting all regions.

Nigeria: Retired Military Officers Warn Against Ethnicising Insecurity [Vanguard] Retired military officers and associates of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar have cautioned Nigerians against blaming the North for the country's worsening insecurity, insisting that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping have evolved into a nationwide threat affecting all regions.

Nigeria: Insecurity - Bode George Faults Adeboye's Ultimatum to Service Chiefs [Vanguard] Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olabode George, on Friday, told the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to direct his advice on how to end terrorism in Nigeria to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, and not to Service Chiefs.

Nigeria: Nigeria Must Unite Against Insecurity - Abdulsalami Abubakar [Vanguard] Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has said every Nigerian has a stake in the fight against insecurity, saying that defeating terrorism and other criminal activities requires citizens to join hands with security agencies and government at all levels.

Northern governors launch Security Trust Fund to tackle insecurity ... The Northern States Governors Forum has noted that the threats posed by banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, drug abuse and other forms of criminality have continued to undermine peaceful coexistence, disrupt livelihoods and weaken social cohesion, thereby slowing the pace of development in the region. Speaking in Kaduna on Wednesday at the meeting of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Northern Security Trust Fund, its Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the governors were united in the conviction that the security crisis in Northern Nigeria requires prompt, coordinated and decisive measures to rescue the region from the brink of total collapse. According to him, “While the Federal Government bears primary responsibility for national security, the complementary efforts of the 19 Northern states are needed so as to support federal security efforts, facilitate intelligence sharing, foster community resilience, and establish a lasting framework for regional security and prosperity.” He further explained that, in furtherance of that …

Nigeria: Tough Times Await Terrorists As Tinubu Adopts Tech-Driven Strategy to Tackle Insecurity [This Day] Abuja -- President Bola Tinubu on Monday affirmed his governnent's firm resolve to deploy emerging technologies to crush contemporary security threats and protect the lives all Nigerians.

Nigeria: Nigeria Must Unite Against Insecurity - Abdulsalami Abubakar [Vanguard] Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has said every Nigerian has a stake in the fight against insecurity, saying that defeating terrorism and other criminal activities requires citizens to join hands with security agencies and government at all levels.

Nigeria: Retired Military Officers Warn Against Ethnicising Insecurity [Vanguard] Retired military officers and associates of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar have cautioned Nigerians against blaming the North for the country's worsening insecurity, insisting that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping have evolved into a nationwide threat affecting all regions.

Nigeria: 'Resign If You Can't Secure Nigerians,' Ajadi Tells Tinubu Over Rising Insecurity [Vanguard] Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the worsening security situation in the country, urging the Federal Government to take full responsibility for protecting lives and property.

Nigeria: Insecurity Frightening, Nigerians Bleeding, African Church Primate Tells Govt [Vanguard] The Primate and Spiritual Head of The African Church, Nigeria and Overseas, His Eminence Julius Osayande Abbe, has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity, warning that the worsening situation is causing widespread fear and suffering across the country.

#BREAKING!!!! Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has called on Nigerians to unite against insecurity, saying defeating terrorism and other criminal activities requires collective action by citizens, security agencies and government at all levels.🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬 - - - - - - - - - -

Nigerian Senate Demands End to Boko Haram Rehabilitation Programme Over ... The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to suspend the rehabilitation and reintegration programme for Boko Haram members, citing worsening insecurity and attacks on serving and retired military personnel. ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend the rehabilitation and reintegration programme for former Boko Haram members, citing the worsening security situation and the increasing attacks on serving and retired military personnel across the country. The resolution was adopted during Tuesday’s plenary after a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, who expressed concern over the growing wave of kidnappings, killings and targeted attacks on military officers, describing the trend as a serious threat to Nigeria’s national security and state authority. As part of its resolutions, the Senate urged security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest and prosecute terrorists and other criminal elements responsible for violent attacks nationwide instead of continuing programmes aimed at rehabilitating former insurgents. Lawmakers also dir…

Nigeria's insecurity rooted in governance failure: Analyst Nigeria’s long-running security crisis stems largely from dysfunctional governance and unresolved grievances, not just terrorism or religious conflict, according to political and security analyst Jaye Gaskia. Speaking to Rise and Shine, Gaskia said the country’s multiple layers of violence, from insurgency to banditry and communal clashes, have persisted because “successive governments have failed to address the underlying social and economic causes.” “Nigeria’s military is deployed in internal operations across all six geopolitical zones,” he noted. “That alone shows the scale of the problem and how deeply insecurity has taken root.” For over 15 years, Nigeria has battled Islamist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province in the northeast. At the same time, local conflicts between herders and farmers, alongside a surge in kidnappings for ransom, have extended instability into central and north-western regions. Gaskia argued that these newer forms of violence have thrived on long-standing disputes over land, water, and political representation. “Resource grievances, boundary disputes, and ec…

Statement on the State of the Nation By Some Concerned Nigerians Civil Society Columns Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp STATEMENT ON THE STATE OF THE NATION BY SOME CONCERNED NIGERIANS We are a group of concerned Nigerians, alarmed at increasing threats to the Nigerian Nation and desirous of sharing our concerns with fellow citizens. Our assessment of the state of the Nation reveals that Nigeria stands at a dangerous crossroads where rising insecurity, an alarming level of electoral manipulation by government, and the weakening of democratic institutions are converging into a national crisis that threatens the country’s survival. Nigeria faces a grave threat to its foundational constitutional principle of the separation of powers. Checks and balances between the branches of government have been imperilled. The legislative branch has been placed under near total control of the executive branch. The judiciary appears to have lost both its independence and its integrity. There are no checks on the powers of the executive who now govern as they please without accountability or respect for the people’s concerns.  Institutions have been compromised, weakened, and subordinated to the …

Ex-Gov urges Nigerians to support Tinubu amid challenges Support Tinubu to tackle national challenges, ex-A’Ibom gov urges Nigerians December 1, 2025 4:13 pm FILE: Ex-Governor Udom Emmanuel By Gilbert Ekugbe Kindly share this story: Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has called on Nigerians to set aside political, ethnic, and religious differences and throw their full support behind President Bola Tinubu as the nation navigates mounting socioeconomic challenges. According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Monday, Emmanuel made the appeal during an interactive session with journalists at the Pre-Service of Nine Lessons, and Carol held on Sunday at the United Evangelical Church, Surulere, Lagos. He stressed that the country is at a critical point and requires collective effort to avoid deeper crises. According to the former governor, only unity and a shared sense of national responsibility can help Nigeria overcome its present difficulties. Hamas announces dissolution of Gaza governing body Resign or shelve re-election bid over insecurity, Peter Obi tells Tinubu Video of ‘fake’ agency DG challenging Gbajabiamila resurfaces He said Nigerians must resist…

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu declares nationwide emergency after … Police and government officials gather at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School where gunmen on Friday abducted children and staff in Papiri community, Nigeria, Tuesday, Nov.25, 2025. (AP Photo/Yunusa Umar ) LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Wednesdaydeclared a nationwide emergencyfollowing two mass abductions of schoolchildren and a spate of attacks against civilians. Tinubu said the government will recruit 20,000 additional police officers, raising the total to 50,000. He also authorized the intelligence service to deploy forest guards to protect remote areas from armed groups. “My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas,” he said in a statement. The constitution allows the president to declare emergency during national crises. Recent attacks by armed groups and threats from U.S. President Donald Trump have heaped pressure on Nigeria. Last week, gunmen took 25 students in Kebbi state and more than 300 in Niger state. Those abducted from Kebbi were rescued and united w…