June 15, (THEWILL) — Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.) has warned that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity could soon place top political office holders, including ministers, senators and state governors, in the crosshairs of terrorists and bandits if urgent measures are not taken.
Buratai issued the warning in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday while reacting to the reported killing of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe by bandits.
The former army chief said the killing of a senior military officer by non-state actors represents what he called a dangerous “erosion of tactical deterrence and a major threat to national security.”
Buratai said that if the trend is allowed to continue unchecked, the next targets may include ministers, senators, even state governors.
He described the incident as another wake-up call for the nation, lamenting that insecurity continues to escalate despite repeated warning In 2021, THEWILL recalls, the former Chief of Army Staff had predicted that insurgency and banditry could persist for two decades if decisive action was not taken. The insecurity has escalated from that time to this moment and cost the country a lot in terms of loss of innocent lives through violent attacks and kidnapping.
Recently, Buratai warned in a national television interview that the government should spear no identified sponsors and financiers of terrorists whom he claimed were still walking the streets.
Just as Buratai warned, the insecurity keeps getting worse by the day and giving the impression that in the absence of a strategic and effective response it could overwhelm the authorities someday soon.
Another dimension to the ongoing insurgency in the country emerged on Sunday as it was announced that the terrorist group known as Lakurawas, believed to be operating around the North-West, attacked some communities in Kebbi State and killed no fewer than 20 residents.
This is clearly a warning that Lakurawas, spotted in the region only a few years ago, has transformed from a band of cattle rustlers to a full-fledged terrorist group. More of its activities should be expected.
Imagine what it would look like if the ship of state fell in the hands of non-state actors. Imagine the shame, disgrace and the very possible ruination that will follow. That is why we urge all stakeholders in the Nigerian Project to do everything possible within their power to set the country free from the clutches of the worsening insecurity.
