Six military commanders and Retired General have been killed by terrorists in 2026 amid rising security crisis.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Nigeria’s worsening security crisis has claimed the lives of at least six serving military commanders and one retired Major General in 2026, raising fresh concerns about the growing threat posed by terrorists, bandits, and other armed groups across the country.
The latest casualty is retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while in captivity after being abducted by terrorists in Katsina State.
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The development comes amid a surge in attacks, kidnappings, and killings nationwide, highlighting the persistent security challenges confronting Africa’s most populous nation.
Six Military Commanders Killed in 2026
According to available reports, six senior military officers have lost their lives in separate terrorist attacks since the beginning of the year.
On February 16, 2026, Boko Haram insurgents attacked Mandaragirau community in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, killing Lieutenant Colonel O.C. Okolo. The officer was later buried in his hometown in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Less than a month later, on March 1, Major U.I. Mairiga, Commander of the Mayenti military base in Borno State, was killed during another attack by insurgents.
On March 6, Lieutenant Colonel S.I. Iliyasu lost his life when Boko Haram fighters launched an assault on a military battalion in Konduga, Borno State.
Three days later, Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq was also killed during a separate attack on a military base in the state.
The attacks continued in April when Colonel I.A. Mohammed, Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Army’s 242 Battalion in Monguno, Borno State, was killed in active service.
Similarly, Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah was reportedly killed by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on April 9.
Retired General Dies After Abduction
Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Following their abduction, a video circulated on social media showing the couple relaying demands allegedly made by their captors, including the release of certain detained individuals.
However, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, announced on Saturday that the retired general had died while in captivity.
According to the commissioner, Abubakar died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension.
Nigerians React to Growing Insecurity
News of the retired general’s death sparked widespread reactions across social media, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the country’s deteriorating security situation and questioning the government’s ability to protect citizens.
Peter Obi: Nigeria Cannot Continue Like This
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, described the incident as a national tragedy.
In a statement shared on X, Obi said it was heartbreaking that a retired senior military officer who dedicated his life to defending the nation could become a victim of violent crime.
According to him, the development reflects the severity of the insecurity confronting Nigeria.
Obi called for a more proactive, intelligence-driven, technology-based, and coordinated approach to combating insecurity.
He urged authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, secure the nation’s borders, adequately equip security personnel, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Sam Amadi: Insecurity Has Become a National Disaster
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi, also condemned the development, describing the country’s security challenges as a national disaster.
Amadi questioned how a retired military general could remain in captivity for weeks without being rescued, arguing that the situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of government security efforts.
David Mark Laments Rising Threats
National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, said Nigerians have become increasingly vulnerable due to persistent terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes.
The former Senate President noted that insecurity has continued to escalate for more than a decade, affecting communities across the country.
He called for national unity and collective action against criminal groups threatening Nigeria’s peace and stability.
Tinubu Vows Tough Action Against Terrorists
Reacting to the incident, President Bola Tinubu reiterated his administration’s determination to confront terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President declared that the government would not negotiate the release of detained terrorists in exchange for hostages.
Tinubu warned criminal groups to surrender or face the full force of the law, stressing that the government would continue its efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore security across the country.
The latest wave of attacks has once again intensified calls for urgent and decisive measures to address insecurity and protect lives and property nationwide.
