The death of retired Major-General Abubakar Rabe following his abduction by bandits in Katsina State has reignited demands for decisive action against terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes threatening lives across Nigeria.

Friends, former military colleagues and associates of the late officer made the call during a press briefing in Kaduna on Thursday, describing his killing as a tragic reminder of the worsening security situation in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the group, retired Brigadier-General Ismaila Abdullahi paid tribute to the late military officer, whom he described as a disciplined and patriotic professional who devoted his life to the service of the nation.

According to Abdullahi, the circumstances surrounding Rabe’s death underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

He noted that incidents of banditry, terrorism and kidnapping have continued to spread across several parts of the country, creating fear among citizens and raising concerns about public safety.

“The death of General Rabe reflects the harsh reality many Nigerians face daily. Criminal activities have become widespread, and stronger measures are required to restore confidence in the nation’s security system,” he said.

The group acknowledged the efforts of both the Federal Government and the Katsina State Government, particularly the operation that secured the release of the late officer’s wife, Hajiya Amina Rabe.

They also commended the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for condemning the incident and pledging a more aggressive response to terrorism and kidnapping.

Despite these efforts, the group maintained that significant gaps remain in the fight against criminal elements, stressing that insecurity has expanded beyond traditional flashpoints and now poses a nationwide threat.

The associates warned against politicising security challenges or viewing them through ethnic and regional lenses, insisting that the menace affects all Nigerians regardless of background.

They urged citizens to support initiatives that promote national unity, intelligence sharing and collaboration with security agencies.

The group further called on governments at all levels to demonstrate stronger political commitment in addressing the root causes of insecurity while strengthening institutions responsible for protecting lives and property.

While welcoming existing security cooperation between Nigeria and international partners, including the United States, they emphasised that lasting solutions must come from within.

“No foreign country can secure Nigeria better than Nigerians themselves. Success will depend on effective institutions, adequate resources and coordinated implementation of security policies,” the group stated.

They also advocated tighter border controls and closer collaboration with neighbouring countries such as Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin Republic to curb the movement of arms, criminals and other security threats across borders.

In addition, the group urged the 19 Northern governors to establish a coordinated regional security framework to tackle banditry, terrorism and the proliferation of illegal weapons.

They called for stricter monitoring of supply chains and support networks allegedly exploited by criminal groups to sustain their operations.

Drawing from international examples, the retired officers stressed that defeating terrorism requires sustained political resolve, strategic planning and effective coordination among security agencies.

They also appealed to authorities to provide adequate support for families of military personnel who lose their lives in service or fall victim to violent crimes.

The group further called for renewed efforts to secure the freedom of Nigerians still being held captive by kidnappers and other criminal groups across the country.

Expressing optimism about the future, they said Nigeria could overcome its security challenges through stronger institutions, effective leadership and collective national effort.

Among those present at the briefing were retired Brigadier-General Ismaila Abdullahi, Ambassador Mohammed Musawa, retired Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, retired Brigadier-General Abubakar Abdulgadir, Ambassador Ibrahim Usman-Gafai, Ambassador Ahmed Musawa, retired Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga and retired Deputy Comptroller-General of the NSCDC, Aminu Abdullahi.

Late Gen. Rabe and his wife were abducted by bandits on May 30 while travelling along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Katsina State.