By Rita Amaechi
National News – Former African Democratic Congress presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in captivity.
Abubakar and his wife were reportedly abducted in Katsina State. The retired Army spokesman died after weeks in captivity, while his wife was later rescued by troops.
In a statement on Tuesday, Hayatu-Deen described the late general as a distinguished officer who served Nigeria with honour and dedication.
He said the incident reflects worsening insecurity nationwide and requires urgent action.
“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.
Hayatu-Deen noted that several Nigerians remain in captivity, including schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Oriire, Oyo State, 27 days ago.
He also cited recent attacks in Kogi State where bandits killed a vice principal, a six-year-old child and another resident during WAEC exams.
He referenced the terrorist attack on Kautikari village near Chibok, Borno State, the abduction of over 40 students in Askira-Uba, and the killing of an officer and six soldiers in Kaduna State.
“Such incidents are occurring in virtually every part of the country,” he said, adding that sympathy alone will not solve the crisis.
He pointed to Nigeria’s ranking on the Global Terrorism Index and rising terrorism-related deaths as evidence of the severity.
Linking insecurity to economic hardship, Hayatu-Deen said poverty, unemployment and rising living costs are creating conditions that fuel crime and recruitment into violent groups.
He urged federal and state governments to strengthen social welfare, support struggling businesses, assist farmers affected by insecurity, and expand safety nets for vulnerable communities.
The ADC chieftain backed the House of Representatives’ recent passage of a constitutional amendment bill to establish state police.
He urged the Senate to fast-track consideration, saying: “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 also called for stronger community policing, improved intelligence gathering, revitalization of the Multinational Joint Task Force, and better cross-border collaboration to tackle terrorism.
Hayatu-Deen further demanded aggressive military recruitment, improved welfare for troops and families of fallen personnel, modern equipment, and enhanced training.
He commended the armed forces for rescuing 360 women and children from a terrorist camp in Borno but said more decisive action is needed to stop what he called the country’s “gradual slide into lawlessness.”
He urged all levels of government and citizens to adopt a whole-of-society approach, stressing that national unity and collective action are critical to restoring peace and public confidence.
