Insecurity: Senate decries disturbing pattern of attacks on military personnel

Nigeria's Senate has voiced alarm over the nation's deteriorating security situation, decrying a disturbing pattern of attacks targeting both serving and retired military personnel. The upper legislative chamber warned that the increasing abductions and killings by terrorists and criminal gangs represent a dangerous escalation that threatens national stability and erodes public confidence.

The Senate's concern was prompted by a motion regarding the death of retired Major General Alkali Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who was abducted with his wife and later died in captivity. Senators observed a minute of silence in his honor, describing his death and those of other officers in terrorist custody as not just personal tragedies but a painful national loss. They emphasized that these incidents starkly illustrate the persistent and widespread nature of insecurity confronting the country.

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The death of retired Major General Alkali Abubakar and others in the custody of terrorists represents not only personal tragedies but also a painful national loss and a stark reminder of the scale and persistence of insecurity confronting the nation.

Lawmakers cited several other disturbing incidents between January 2023 and May 2026. These include the killing of retired Major General Richard Duru after a ransom payment, the murder of retired Brigadier General O.M. Harlord Udokwere, the 56-day captivity of former National Youth Service Corps Director-General, retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, and the death in captivity of retired Major Aja. The Senate noted that many victims previously held sensitive positions, making these attacks a matter of national security rather than isolated criminal acts.

The Senate cautioned that the growing frequency of such targeted attacks signifies a troubling evolution in Nigeria's security challenges. The lawmakers stressed that the insecurity extends beyond individual victims, carrying far-reaching implications for national unity, democratic stability, and faith in the government's ability to protect its citizens. The chamber resolved to convey its condolences to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Armed Forces, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

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The increasing frequency with which serving and retired military personnel are being targeted by criminal and terrorist groups represents a dangerous evolution in the nation’s security challenges.