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 military officer, Major General Rabe Abubakar, is not merely a tragedy; it marks a dangerous threshold,” he stated.

Buratai said armed groups now operate with better intelligence, more advanced weapons and growing confidence, making them a major threat to national security.

He criticised the practice of paying ransoms and negotiating with criminal groups, arguing that stronger military action is needed.

“The current reactive strategy, paying ransoms and negotiating with criminals, must end. It is time for a full-scale, coordinated military and intelligence offensive,” he said.

Buratai also called for the creation of a unified security command that would directly oversee operations in states facing serious security threats.

“The Federal Government should establish a unified command with direct authority over all security agencies operating in high-risk states, eliminating bureaucratic delays,” he advised.

He further urged authorities to identify and prosecute individuals who support criminal groups through illegal mining, ransom negotiations and other forms of collaboration.

“Bandits do not survive on AK-47s alone. They rely on networks of corrupt middlemen, illegal miners, ransom negotiators and local collaborators. These individuals must be identified, arrested and prosecuted. The cost of supporting terrorism should be made unbearable,” Buratai said.

He stressed that only a coordinated national response can prevent the security situation from deteriorating further and help restore public confidence.

Ministers, governors may become bandits’ next targets – Buratai