Nigeria's security crisis spurs retired generals, elders and lawmakers to demand reforms

The abduction and death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in Katsina State has ignited calls for a more proactive security strategy in Nigeria. Retired officers, including Brigadier General Isma’ila Abdullahi, warned that the tragedy highlights systemic weaknesses and urged the government to shift from reactive to preventative measures, improve intelligence, and enhance coordination among agencies.

Former head of state General Abdulsalami Abubakar, marking his 84th birthday, appealed to all Nigerians to join the fight against terrorism and crime, condemning politicisation and misinformation that aid criminal groups. He stressed that citizens must collaborate with security forces to restore peace.

In the legislature, three bills – the Department of State Services Trust Fund Bill, the Strategic Intelligence Management Institute Bill, and the DSS Research and Development Institute Bill – are being debated to provide stable funding, advanced training, and a research hub for the intelligence agency. Lawmakers are debating a clause that would limit foreign donations to the trust fund, citing sovereignty concerns.

A broader group of elder statesmen, diplomats and civil society leaders issued a “State of the Nation” statement warning that insecurity, weakened institutions and regional instability threaten Nigeria’s democratic future. Their warning coincides with a Federal High Court order to deregister five opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, adding political tension to the security debate.