Growing insecurity across Nigeria has claimed the lives of six serving military commanders and one retired Major General within the first half of 2026, sparking renewed concerns over the country’s worsening security crisis.
The killings, linked to terrorism and banditry, have intensified public outrage and raised fresh questions about the effectiveness of ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Among the victims was retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, who died in captivity after being abducted alongside his wife by terrorists in Katsina State.
Rabe was kidnapped on May 30 along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area. He later died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension while in captivity, according to Katsina State authorities.
Before his death, a video circulated online showing the retired general and his wife appealing for assistance as their abductors demanded the release of detained bandits.
The retired officer’s death followed a series of deadly attacks on military formations, particularly in the North-East.
On February 16, Boko Haram fighters reportedly killed Lieutenant Colonel O.C. Okolo during an attack on Mandaragirau community in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Less than a month later, Major U.I. Mairiga, Commander of the Mayenti military base in Borno State, was killed in another insurgent attack.
Lieutenant Colonel S.I. Iliyasu was also killed on March 6 following an assault on a military battalion in Konduga, while Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq lost his life three days later during a separate attack on troops in Borno State.
In April, Colonel I.A. Mohammed, Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Army’s 242 Battalion in Monguno, was killed in active service. Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah was also reportedly gunned down by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The deaths have triggered widespread reactions from political leaders and security analysts.
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, described General Rabe’s death as a national tragedy and a reflection of the deepening insecurity across the country.
According to Obi, the incident demonstrates the urgent need for intelligence-driven and technology-based security reforms.
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi, questioned why the Nigerian state was unable to secure the release of a retired military general despite its security resources.
He described the development as a national disaster and called for a more effective response to insecurity.
Also reacting, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, lamented that Nigerians now live under constant threats from terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
He urged citizens to unite against criminal elements threatening the nation’s peace and stability.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has maintained that the Federal Government will not negotiate with terrorists or release detained criminal suspects in exchange for kidnapped victims.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President warned bandits, kidnappers and their sponsors to surrender or face the full force of the law.
The latest wave of killings has renewed calls for urgent and decisive measures to tackle terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
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