Kidnappings: Security crisis could worsen, Governors, Ministers May become targets – Buratai

Former Chief of Army Staff, , has warned that Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation could spiral further out of control if urgent and decisive measures are not implemented, cautioning that top political office holders may eventually become direct targets of bandits and insurgents.

Buratai issued the warning in a statement titled, “A Frank and Patriotic Advice on Nigeria’s Escalating Security Crisis,” following reports surrounding the abduction and death of retired Major General in Katsina State.

According to the former army chief, the killing of a senior military officer by non-state actors represents a troubling escalation in the nation’s security challenges and should serve as a wake-up call for authorities at all levels.

He warned that the growing capacity of criminal groups to target prominent individuals reflects a dangerous weakening of state authority and deterrence.

“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. They could include ministers, senators and even state governors,” Buratai stated.

The former army chief recalled that he had warned as far back as 2021 that insurgency and banditry could persist for decades unless more decisive action was taken. He noted that current developments appear to validate those concerns.

Buratai argued that criminal groups have become increasingly sophisticated, operating with improved intelligence capabilities, advanced weaponry and a level of confidence that now openly challenges state institutions.

To address the crisis, he proposed the establishment of a National Emergency Command with direct operational authority over all security agencies deployed in high-risk areas. According to him, such a structure would eliminate bureaucratic delays, improve coordination and strengthen the overall response to insecurity.

“Insecurity is no longer a regional problem; it is a national emergency,” he said, adding that the proposed command should report directly to the President and be given a clear mandate to dismantle terrorist and bandit strongholds across the country.

Buratai also called for a more aggressive strategy targeting those who sustain criminal networks, including financiers, illegal miners, ransom negotiators and local collaborators.

“Bandits do not survive on weapons alone. They depend on support networks that must be identified, dismantled and prosecuted,” he stressed.

The former Nigerian envoy to the Republic of Benin further advocated an end to negotiations with criminal groups, insisting that the country should instead pursue a coordinated military and intelligence offensive against terrorists and bandits.

He maintained that sustained military operations carried out between 2015 and 2019 demonstrated that continuous pressure could significantly weaken insurgent groups and reduce their operational capacity.

Buratai also urged state governors to play a more active role in tackling insecurity by supporting state policing initiatives, strengthening community-based intelligence gathering and integrating vetted vigilante groups into broader security frameworks.

While emphasising the need for enhanced protection of public officials through improved intelligence sharing and counter-ambush measures, he said the ultimate objective should be the complete dismantling of the criminal ecosystem driving insecurity across the country.

Describing himself as a patriot with no political ambition, Buratai appealed to leaders at all levels to act decisively before the security crisis worsens further.

“If we do not radically change our approach today, the headlines of tomorrow may make today’s tragedy seem like only a warning,” he cautioned.

He added that while the abduction of senior political leaders is not inevitable, it could become a realistic threat if Nigeria continues with what he described as a “business as usual” approach to insecurity.

Buratai urged authorities to ensure that the death of Major General Rabe Abubakar becomes “the last preventable sacrifice” in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry and violent criminality.

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