Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern over the country’s worsening security situation, saying the death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe in captivity and the recent terrorist attack on communities in Chibok, Borno State, show that Nigeria is gradually losing the gains made against insecurity.
In a statement released by his media office on Sunday, Atiku described the death of the former Director of Defence Information as a painful reminder that no Nigerian is safe under the current security climate.
Rabe, a former Army spokesperson, was kidnapped alongside his wife in Katsina State on May 30, 2026. Reports indicate that the retired general died while in captivity after suffering complications from diabetes and hypertension, while his wife remains in the hands of the kidnappers.
Reacting to the development, Atiku said it was tragic that a man who dedicated his life to defending Nigeria could die at the hands of criminals.
“Gen Rabe devoted the better part of his life to defending Nigeria. He served this country with honour, courage, and distinction. That such a man could end up dying in the hands of criminals is both heartbreaking and unacceptable,” he said.
According to him, the incident reflects the increasing boldness of criminal groups and the failure of the nation’s security system.
He noted that the tragedy was made worse by reports that terrorists attacked Kautikari community in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State on the same day, destroying primary and secondary school facilities.
Atiku said the renewed attack on Chibok, the town that became globally known after the abduction of over 270 schoolgirls in 2014, has reopened old wounds.
“Chibok is not just a location; it is a national scar. Twelve years after the abduction of the schoolgirls, many families are still dealing with the trauma. Yet terrorists have returned to attack schools and communities in the area,” he said.
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He warned that the combination of Gen Rabe’s death and the destruction of schools in Chibok sends a troubling message that the country is losing the security gains achieved through years of sacrifice by the armed forces.
The former vice president also expressed concern over the continued captivity of about 90 schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Oyo and Borno states since May 15.
He argued that attacks on schools and the kidnapping of children represent a direct assault on Nigeria’s future.
“Every school burned by terrorists is an attack on Nigeria’s future. Every child abducted is a reminder of state failure,” he said.
Atiku renewed his call for a state of emergency on security, insisting that the Federal Government must adopt more decisive and coordinated measures to tackle terrorism and banditry.
“Empty promises, propaganda and routine condemnations are no longer enough. Nigerians deserve decisive, coordinated and result-oriented action,” he stated.
He extended his condolences to the family of the late general and prayed for the safe return of his wife and other Nigerians still being held by kidnappers.
“May the soul of General Rabe rest in peace. But let his death serve as a wake-up call. A nation that cannot protect its heroes, its children and its citizens is a nation facing a grave crisis. The time for decisive action is now,” Atiku said.
