Jun 14, 2026

CISLAC Calls for National Emergency on Insecurity

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, June 14, 2026— The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has urged the Federal Government to immediately declare a national emergency on insecurity, citing the worsening wave of kidnappings, banditry, and violent attacks across Nigeria.

The call comes in the wake of the tragic death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who died in bandit captivity in Katsina State.

CISLAC described his death as a national tragedy that underscores the alarming state of security in the country.

In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC said the killing of a retired senior military officer in captivity reflects systemic failures in intelligence, coordination, and operational effectiveness against criminal networks.

The organisation called for urgent measures including:

Strengthened intelligence gathering and improved inter-agency coordination.
Dismantling of networks supporting banditry and kidnapping.
Greater transparency and accountability in security spending, despite massive annual budgetary allocations to defence and security agencies.
Enhanced welfare, training, equipment, and operational capacity for security personnel.
Shift to proactive, intelligence-led operations rather than reactive responses.

While acknowledging ongoing discussions on state policing, CISLAC cautioned that any such move must be anchored on strong legal frameworks and robust accountability mechanisms to prevent abuse of power.

It also urged the National Assembly to step up oversight of security institutions and ensure proper utilisation of resources.

Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife were abducted by armed bandits on or around May 30, 2026, while travelling along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

A video later emerged showing the couple in captivity, with abductors demanding the release of detained bandits and livestock.

Katsina State Government and security agencies confirmed his death in captivity, attributing it to complications from diabetes and hypertension.

President Bola Tinubu and the Defence Headquarters have expressed shock and condolences, describing the incident as a painful loss.

CISLAC’s demand aligns with growing calls from other groups, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), for a state of emergency on security.

These calls come amid escalating attacks that have claimed lives, displaced communities, and disrupted economic activities nationwide.

The death of a high-profile retired officer has intensified public outrage and highlighted that no one — regardless of status or past service — is immune from the current security crisis.

As a veteran observer of Nigeria’s security landscape, the situation demands more than declarations.

A national emergency could unlock extraordinary measures, including streamlined command structures, increased resources for frontline operations, and faster decision-making.

However, past experiences show that such declarations succeed only when paired with genuine accountability, reduced corruption in procurement, and community trust-building.

CISLAC’s emphasis on transparency in security spending is particularly critical.

Billions of naira are allocated yearly, yet outcomes remain poor. Intelligence-led policing, better equipment, and improved personnel welfare could yield faster results than reactive military operations alone.

The caution on state policing is also timely. While decentralization may improve response times, weak oversight risks creating new layers of abuse, politicization, or human rights violations.

For now, the Federal Government faces mounting pressure to demonstrate decisive action.

Nigerians are watching closely — not just for words, but for tangible improvements in safety and justice for victims of insecurity.

CISLAC’s statement serves as both a warning and a roadmap: without urgent, coordinated, and accountable reforms, the country risks further erosion of public confidence and national stability.