No fewer than six serving military commanders and a retired Major General have lost their lives in separate attacks linked to terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria since January 2026, raising fresh concerns about the criountry’s security challenges.
The deaths have come amid continued reports of killings, kidnappings and attacks on communities, schools and security formations across several parts of the country.
While civilians remain among the worst affected by the insecurity crisis, military personnel involved in frontline operations have also suffered significant losses.
The latest casualty is retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while in captivity after being abducted by terrorists in Katsina State.
Among the serving military officers killed this year are Lieutenant Colonel O.C. Okolo, who was reportedly killed on February 16 during an attack by Boko Haram fighters on Mandaragirau community in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. He was later buried in his hometown of Obinofia Ndiuno in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Major U.I. Mairiga, commander of the Mayenti military base in Borno State, was also killed on March 1 during an attack by armed militants.
On March 6, Lieutenant Colonel S.I. Iliyasu lost his life when insurgents attacked a battalion in the Konduga area of Borno State.
Three days later, Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq was reportedly killed during another attack on a military base in the state.
Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah was also reported killed on April 9 during an attack allegedly carried out by members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Similarly, Colonel I.A. Mohammed, the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Army’s 242 Battalion in Monguno, Borno State, died in active service on April 13.
The death of retired Major General Abubakar has generated widespread reactions across the country.
The retired officer and his wife were abducted on May 30 along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Before news of his death emerged, a video circulated online showing the couple in captivity while relaying the demands of their abductors.
In the video, his wife appealed to authorities and community leaders to help secure their release. She said the kidnappers demanded the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru, who were reportedly in custody.
Announcing the retired general’s death, Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, said he died from complications associated with diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.
The development triggered reactions from political leaders and public figures.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, described the incident as a national tragedy.
According to Obi, it was heartbreaking that a retired military officer who dedicated years to serving and defending the country could die in the hands of criminal elements.
He argued that the incident highlighted the scale of the security crisis facing Nigeria and called for a more proactive, intelligence-driven and technology-based approach to tackling insecurity.
Obi also urged the government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve border security, provide better support for security personnel and ensure those responsible for violent crimes are brought to justice.
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Sam Amadi, also expressed concern over the incident.
Amadi questioned why a retired military officer and his wife could remain in captivity for weeks without being rescued, describing the situation as evidence of a worsening security crisis.
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, said the incident underscored the danger many Nigerians now face due to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He called on citizens to unite against criminality and support efforts aimed at restoring peace and security across the country.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve not to negotiate with terrorists.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the government would not release detained terrorists in response to demands by criminal groups.
Tinubu warned bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism to surrender or face the full force of the law.
According to him, those responsible for violence against Nigerians would be pursued and brought to justice, adding that no mercy would be shown to individuals who continue to threaten the country’s peace and security.
