Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a former presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, has called for sweeping security reforms across Nigeria following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while being held by abductors in Katsina State.
In a statement on Tuesday, Hayatu-Deen described the late former Army spokesman as a dedicated officer who served the country with distinction, adding that the circumstances of his death highlight the deepening insecurity across the nation.
“This is not a partisan statement. I have no interest in scoring political points off the graves of our soldiers or the suffering of our children. I speak as a concerned private citizen,” he said.
He warned that the incident is part of a wider pattern of violence affecting multiple regions, noting that several Nigerians remain in captivity, including schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, nearly a month ago.
Hayatu-Deen also referenced recent attacks in Kogi State, where a vice principal, a child and another resident were killed during a WAEC examination period.
The politician also recalled incidents in Borno, including an attack on Kautikari village near Chibok and the abduction of over 40 students in Askira-Uba.
He further cited the killing of a military officer and six soldiers in Kaduna State.
He said these recurring incidents reflect a national crisis that demands a coordinated and urgent response rather than expressions of sympathy alone.
According to him, Nigeria’s worsening security situation is also reflected in global indicators, including its ranking on the Global Terrorism Index and rising terrorism-related fatalities.
Hayatu-Deen further linked insecurity to economic hardship, warning that poverty, unemployment and rising living costs are increasing vulnerability to criminal recruitment across the country.
He urged governments at all levels to strengthen social protection systems, support struggling businesses, assist farmers affected by violence and expand safety nets for vulnerable communities.
The former presidential aspirant also welcomed the House of Representatives’ move to establish state police through a constitutional amendment, calling on the Senate to expedite its consideration.
“While state police is not a cure-all, it is an important step toward strengthening local security, provided safeguards are put in place to prevent abuse, corruption and political interference,” he said.
He advocated stronger community policing structures, improved intelligence operations, enhanced regional cooperation against cross-border threats, and revitalisation of joint security frameworks such as the Multinational Joint Task Force.
Hayatu-Deen also called for increased investment in the military, including better equipment, expanded recruitment, improved welfare for personnel and stronger support for families of fallen officers.
While commending recent military operations, including the rescue of 360 women and children from a terrorist camp in Borno State, he said more decisive and sustained action was needed to reverse what he described as a worsening security trajectory.
He called for national unity and collective responsibility, stressing that only a coordinated approach involving government and citizens can restore stability and public confidence.
