Ex-presidential hopeful mourns slain general, demands urgent security reforms in Nigeria

Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a former presidential aspirant for the African Democratic Congress, has voiced deep concern over Nigeria's escalating security crisis following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar. Abubakar, a former army spokesman, passed away while held captive by his abductors after weeks in their custody. Hayatu-Deen described Abubakar as a distinguished officer who served Nigeria with honor and dedication.

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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.

Hayatu-Deen emphasized that this incident is not a partisan issue but a reflection of the pervasive insecurity plaguing the nation. He pointed to a litany of recent security breaches, including the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, the killing of a vice principal and child in Kogi State, terrorist attacks in Borno State, and the killing of an officer and soldiers in Kaduna State. These incidents, he noted, are occurring across virtually all parts of the country, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective response.

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Such incidents are occurring in virtually every part of the country, underscoring the need for a comprehensive response.

"Expressions of sympathy alone will not solve the problem," Hayatu-Deen stated, referencing Nigeria's poor ranking on the Global Terrorism Index and rising terrorism-related deaths. He argued that insecurity is intrinsically linked to economic hardship, with poverty, unemployment, and rising living costs creating fertile ground for criminal activities and recruitment into violent extremist groups. He urged both federal and state governments to bolster social welfare programs, support struggling businesses and farmers, and expand safety nets for vulnerable communities.

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Expressions of sympathy alone will not solve the problem.

In a bid to strengthen local security, Hayatu-Deen welcomed the House of Representatives' passage of a constitutional amendment bill to establish state police forces. He urged the Senate to expedite its review, noting that while state police are not a panacea, they represent a significant step toward enhancing local security, provided robust safeguards are implemented to prevent abuse, corruption, and political interference. He also advocated for stronger community policing, improved intelligence gathering, the revitalization of the Multinational Joint Task Force, and enhanced regional cooperation to combat cross-border threats.

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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.