CISLAC Demands Probe Of Defence Spending Says General Rabe’s Death In Captivity Exposes Deep Security Crisis
The death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in bandits’ captivity has intensified concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) calling for a national emergency on insecurity and a comprehensive audit of trillions of naira spent on defence.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC described the former military officer’s death as a tragic reflection of the country’s deteriorating security landscape, warning that no Nigerian appears safe from the growing threat of banditry, kidnappings and violent attacks.
Rafsanjani said the incident raises serious questions about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security architecture despite huge annual budgetary allocations to defence and security agencies.
“The death of a retired Major General in captivity is not only a personal tragedy but a national one that reflects the alarming state of insecurity in the country,” he said.
The civil society organisation noted that Nigeria continues to lose military personnel, traditional rulers, community leaders and ordinary citizens to criminal groups operating across several parts of the country.
CISLAC cited Amnesty International’s April 2026 report, which recorded at least 1,100 abductions between January and April in northern Nigeria, particularly in rural communities and internally displaced persons’ camps.
While acknowledging recent government efforts and military operations, Rafsanjani argued that insecurity has continued to worsen despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s disclosure that N5.41 trillion was allocated to defence and security in the 2026 budget, the highest security allocation in Nigeria’s history.
He called for stronger intelligence gathering, improved inter-agency coordination, enhanced welfare and equipment for security personnel, and greater transparency in the management of security funds.
Rafsanjani also urged the National Assembly to intensify oversight of security institutions and ensure accountability in the utilisation of security resources, stressing that governance loses meaning when citizens cannot be guaranteed safety.
CISLAC reiterated its call for comprehensive security sector reforms, stronger community engagement and sustained political commitment to restoring peace and security across the country.
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