Buratai warns ministers, governors could be next targets of bandits

Nigeria's former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has dropped a chilling warning: ministers, senators, and state governors could be the next victims of the country's rampaging bandits and insurgents.

Buratai said this in a statement titled "A frank and patriotic advice on Nigeria's escalating security crisis" on Sunday. His warning follows the abduction and killing of a senior military officer, Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar.

"When a general falls into the hands of non-state actors, it signals a serious erosion of tactical deterrence," Buratai said. "If this trend continues unchecked, the next targets may not be soldiers or civilians alone. They could include ministers, senators, and even state governors."

The retired general wasn't just sounding alarm. He laid out a detailed critique of the government's current approach to security.

Buratai recalled that in 2021, he had predicted the insurgency and banditry could last up to two decades if drastic measures weren't taken. He believes current events are proving him right.

He argued that bandits and insurgents now operate with sophisticated intelligence, heavy weapons, and an audacity that challenges state authority. He called for an end to negotiating with criminal groups.

Instead, Buratai wants a comprehensive military and intelligence offensive. He pointed to the coordinated operations between 2015 and 2019 as proof that sustained pressure can degrade insurgent capabilities.

The former army chief also proposed a National Emergency Command with direct authority over all security agencies in high-risk areas. This body would report directly to the President and focus on dismantling terrorist and bandit strongholds.

"Insecurity is no longer a regional problem; it is a national emergency," Buratai said.

He also stressed the need to go after the financiers and collaborators who keep the criminal networks alive — illegal miners, ransom negotiators, and local informants.

"Bandits don't survive on weapons alone. They depend on support networks that must be identified, dismantled, and prosecuted," he stated.

Buratai didn't spare state governors. He challenged them to take more responsibility by supporting state-level policing, vetted vigilante groups, and community intelligence systems integrated into broader security structures.

He also called for better protection of public officials through improved intelligence sharing and counter-ambush measures. But he insisted the ultimate goal must be to destroy the entire criminal ecosystem.

Buratai, who served as Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021 and later as Nigeria's ambassador to Benin Republic, described himself as a patriot with no political motive. He urged leaders to act before things get worse.

"If we don't radically change our approach today, the headlines of tomorrow may make today's tragedy seem like only a warning," he said.

He added that while the abduction of senior political leaders isn't inevitable, it could become a realistic threat if the country continues with "business as usual."

Buratai concluded by calling on authorities to ensure that the death of Maj.-Gen. Abubakar becomes "the last preventable sacrifice" in Nigeria's battle against insecurity.