Governors, Ministers May Be Next Targets For Bandits – Buratai Warns

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has warned that Nigeria’s worsening security situation could put top political leaders at risk if stronger action is not taken against terrorists and bandits.

Naija News reports that Buratai gave the warning in a statement on Sunday while reacting to the kidnap, torture and death of senior military officer, Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, by armed groups.

He described the incident as a troubling development that shows the growing strength and boldness of criminal elements operating across the country.

According to him, the death of a senior military officer should serve as a serious signal that the country’s current security challenges are reaching a dangerous stage.

He said if the trend continues, the threat may no longer be limited to soldiers and ordinary citizens, as governors, ministers, senators and other public office holders could also become targets.

“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,” he said.

The former army chief recalled that he had previously warned in 2021 that insurgency and banditry might continue for many years if decisive measures were not taken. He noted that recent events appear to support that concern.

Buratai said governments at both the federal and state levels must accept that the existing security approach has not produced the desired results.

He stated that many criminal groups now operate with advanced intelligence networks, powerful weapons and growing confidence, making them more difficult to confront.