Outrage as Terrorists, Bandits Kill Seven Senior Military Officers

Growing insecurity across Nigeria has sparked public anger following the deaths of seven senior military officers within the first five months of 2026. The casualties include six officers who were killed while serving and a retired Major General who died after being abducted by bandits.

The series of attacks has renewed concerns about the country’s prolonged security crisis, which continues to affect both civilians and security personnel. While communities across several states face frequent attacks, kidnappings and killings, military formations have also come under increasing pressure from insurgent groups.

One of the officers lost was Lieutenant Colonel O.C. Okolo, who was killed during an attack on Mandaragirau community in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State in February. He was later laid to rest in his hometown in Enugu State.

In March, insurgents attacked the Mayenti military base in Borno State, leading to the death of Major U.I. Mairiga. Days later, Lieutenant Colonel S.I. Iliyasu was killed when fighters launched another assault on a military battalion in Konduga. On March 9, Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq also lost his life during a separate attack on troops in the state.

The killings continued in April when Colonel I.A. Mohammed, the commanding officer of the Nigerian Army’s 242 Battalion in Monguno, was killed while on duty. Around the same period, Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah was also reportedly killed by members of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP.

The latest tragedy involved retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside his wife by armed men in Katsina State on May 30. The couple was taken while travelling along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area.

Following their abduction, a video surfaced online showing the retired officer and his wife conveying the demands of their captors, who reportedly wanted some detained bandits released. Weeks later, the Katsina State Government announced that the retired general had died in captivity after suffering health complications linked to diabetes and hypertension.

The news of his death triggered strong reactions from Nigerians, many of whom questioned the country’s ability to protect even retired senior military officers. Political leaders and public figures also expressed concern over the worsening security situation.

NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi described the development as a painful national loss. He said the death of a retired officer who dedicated his life to defending the country showed how serious the security challenge had become. Obi called for better intelligence gathering, stronger security coordination and greater investment in technology-driven solutions.

Former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Sam Amadi, also reacted to the incident. He described the situation as deeply troubling and questioned why security agencies were unable to rescue the retired general before his death.

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, said insecurity had continued to spread across different parts of the country and was affecting people from all walks of life. He urged Nigerians to unite against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes threatening national stability.

President Bola Tinubu, through a statement issued by his media office, maintained that the government would not give in to the demands of terrorists and bandits. He warned criminal groups to surrender or face the full force of the law, insisting that security agencies would continue their operations against those responsible for violence across the country.

The deaths of the military officers have once again brought attention to the challenges facing Nigeria’s security sector, with many citizens demanding stronger action to curb terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.