Governors, Senators, Ministers Are Next Targets of Terrorists – Buratai Warns

• Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has warned that Nigeria’s security crisis could escalate further if urgent action is not taken.

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, warning that bandits and insurgents could begin targeting senior political leaders if decisive measures are not taken.

Buratai issued the warning while reacting to reports surrounding the abduction and killing of senior military officer, Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, describing the incident as a dangerous sign of the growing threat posed by non-state actors.

According to him, the killing of a high-ranking military officer highlights a serious decline in security deterrence and should serve as a wake-up call for authorities at all levels.

The former army chief urged the Federal Government to reassess its current security strategy, insisting that criminal groups now possess sophisticated intelligence networks, advanced weaponry, and increasing operational confidence.

He called for a comprehensive military and intelligence offensive against terrorist and bandit groups, while rejecting continued negotiations with criminal elements.

Buratai also proposed the creation of a National Emergency Command with direct authority over security agencies operating in high-risk areas, saying such a structure would improve coordination and eliminate bureaucratic delays.

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In addition, he stressed the need to dismantle the support networks sustaining criminal activities, including financiers, informants, illegal miners, and ransom negotiators.

The retired general further urged state governors to strengthen community-based security initiatives, including vetted vigilante groups and intelligence-sharing systems, while calling for greater support for state-level policing efforts.

Buratai maintained that insecurity has become a national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action, warning that failure to act decisively could lead to even more serious consequences in the future.