National Human Rights Commission describes the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in bandits’ captivity as a national tragedy and a grave violation of human rights, urging authorities to consider state policing as part of broader security reforms.
By A1NEWS International / June 16, 2026
ABUJA, Nigeria –The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has strongly condemned the abduction and subsequent killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of armed bandits, describing the incident as a shocking violation of the fundamental right to life and a grim reflection of Nigeria’s deepening security challenges.
The Commission said the tragic death of the retired senior military officer highlights the alarming reach of criminal networks across the country and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms, including renewed consideration of the establishment of state police.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, expressed profound sorrow over the development, noting that the late General reportedly died while efforts were being made by the Katsina State Government and security agencies to secure his freedom.
According to the Commission, the incident raises serious concerns about the safety of citizens and the effectiveness of existing measures to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes threatening communities across Nigeria.
A Disturbing Reflection of Nigeria’s Security Reality
Chief Ojukwu described the killing as a direct assault on the sanctity of human life and an indication that insecurity has reached an unacceptable level.
He noted that under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and international human rights treaties ratified by the country, every individual is entitled to the rights to life, liberty, dignity, and personal security.
The NHRC boss observed that the fact that a retired Major General—a former senior military officer—could fall victim to such criminal violence demonstrates that no segment of society is immune from the insecurity plaguing the nation.
According to him, the tragedy reflects the growing vulnerability of citizens regardless of social status, profession, or public standing.
“The abduction and death of a retired senior military officer underscores the extent to which insecurity has penetrated all levels of society,” he stated.
Rising Wave of Kidnappings Eroding Public Confidence
The Commission warned that recurring incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks continue to undermine public trust in the state’s ability to guarantee security.
Across several states, criminal gangs have increasingly targeted highways, rural communities, schools, and residential areas, often demanding large ransoms from victims’ families.
Human rights advocates argue that the persistent threat of abductions has not only inflicted psychological trauma on citizens but has also disrupted economic activities, education, and community life.
Chief Ojukwu expressed concern that many communities now live under constant fear, with schools, homes, farms, and public spaces increasingly becoming vulnerable to attacks.
He stressed that the NHRC views the killing of General Abubakar not merely as a personal loss to his family but as a national tragedy requiring urgent policy attention.
State Police Debate Returns to the Forefront
Against the backdrop of worsening insecurity, the Commission renewed calls for serious consideration of state policing as part of a broader national security strategy.
According to Ojukwu, the recurring nature of violent attacks suggests that existing security structures may require reforms capable of improving intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities at the local level.
He explained that decentralizing policing could potentially bring security operations closer to communities, enabling faster intervention and a better understanding of local security dynamics.
However, he cautioned that any move toward establishing state police must be guided by strong constitutional safeguards, effective civilian oversight mechanisms, and strict adherence to human rights principles.
The NHRC emphasized that accountability frameworks would be critical to preventing abuse of power and ensuring that state-level security structures operate within the bounds of the law.
Security analysts have long argued that Nigeria’s centralized policing model faces significant challenges in addressing localized security threats across the country’s diverse regions.
Demand for Thorough Investigation and Justice
The Commission called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction and death of the retired military officer.
Chief Ojukwu insisted that all individuals involved in the crime must be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He emphasized that accountability remains essential to preserving public confidence in the justice system and deterring future violations.
According to the NHRC, ending the cycle of impunity surrounding violent crimes is crucial to restoring citizens’ trust in state institutions and strengthening the rule of law.
The Commission further urged authorities to intensify efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable communities while pursuing structural reforms capable of delivering long-term security solutions.
Human Rights and Security Must Go Hand in Hand
While advocating stronger security measures, the NHRC maintained that all responses to insecurity must remain grounded in human rights principles.
The Commission reiterated that protecting the right to life is one of the most fundamental obligations of any democratic government and that security reforms should prioritize the protection of civilians.
It added that effective security policies must be designed not only to combat criminality but also to safeguard the dignity, freedoms, and rights of all Nigerians.
The death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in bandits’ captivity has once again exposed the grave security challenges confronting Nigeria and intensified calls for urgent reforms.
As the nation mourns the loss of a distinguished military officer, the National Human Rights Commission insists that the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to strengthen security institutions, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and explore innovative approaches such as state policing to address the country’s escalating insecurity.
The Commission extended its condolences to the family of the late General, the Government and people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians affected by the continuing wave of violence, while reaffirming its commitment to advocating for the protection of the right to life and security across the country.
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