Rising Wave of Killings Sparks Fresh Fears Over Nation’s Deepening Security Crisis
A growing wave of anger is sweeping across Nigeria following reports that seven senior military figures, including six serving commanders and one retired Major General, have lost their lives to terrorism and banditry since the beginning of 2026.
The disturbing development has reignited concerns about the worsening security situation across the country, with many Nigerians questioning how a nation battling insurgency for more than a decade continues to suffer devastating losses among both civilians and military personnel.
From Borno State to Katsina, the attacks have painted a grim picture of a security challenge that appears far from over.
The tragedy began in February when Lieutenant Colonel O.C. Okolo was killed during a Boko Haram attack on Mandaragirau community in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. Weeks later, Major U.I. Mairiga, Commander of the Mayenti Base, was also killed in a separate terrorist assault.
The bloodshed continued as Lieutenant Colonel S.I. Iliyasu and Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq were killed in separate attacks on military formations in Borno State. April brought no relief as Colonel I.A. Mohammed and Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah were also reportedly murdered in the line of duty.
However, the death that has generated the strongest public reaction is that of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information.
Abubakar was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State and remained in captivity for weeks while negotiations and rescue efforts continued. Hope remained alive after a video surfaced showing the retired officer and his wife appealing for intervention. But those hopes were shattered when Katsina State authorities confirmed his death.
The announcement triggered widespread outrage across social media, with many Nigerians expressing frustration that even a retired senior military officer could not be rescued from captivity.
Reacting to the tragedy, NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi described the incident as a national tragedy and evidence of a deepening security emergency.
Political analyst Sam Amadi called the situation a national disaster, while ADC National Chairman David Mark lamented that Nigerians now feel endangered in their own country.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu vowed that terrorists and bandits would not force the government into releasing detained criminals, warning that those responsible must surrender or face the full force of the law.
As attacks continue and questions mount, many Nigerians are asking a painful question: if military commanders are not safe, who is?
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