Security experts and rights advocates have called on the Federal Government to adopt stronger measures against banditry and other violent crimes amid growing concerns over worsening insecurity across northern Nigeria.

Retired military officer and security analyst, Major Bashir Galma, urged authorities to abandon negotiations with bandits, arguing that armed groups have repeatedly failed to honour peace agreements.

“The situation has reached a critical stage. The government should put aside the issue of dialogue with bandits because they do not keep their promises,” Galma told DAILY POST in an exclusive chat.

Galma also called for decisive action against informants who provide intelligence and logistical support to criminal groups from within local communities.

“It has become necessary for the government to deal decisively with informants who are hiding within communities and supplying information to bandits,” he added.

The retired officer further urged retired security personnel and prominent indigenes of Katsina State to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to develop lasting solutions to the security challenges facing the state.

Galma also criticised the Federal Government, alleging that political activities appear to be receiving greater attention than security concerns.

“The Federal Government appears to be focusing more on politics at a time when security should be the foundation of peace, stability, and national development,” he said.

Meanwhile, the International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address insecurity, economic hardship and the rising cost of living affecting millions of Nigerians.

In an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the group’s Country Director in Nigeria, Ambassador Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation nationwide.

Bakoji referenced reports surrounding the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, describing it as evidence of the growing security threat confronting Nigerians.

“It is unfortunate that a man who dedicated 35 years of service to his country ended his life at the hands of bandits,” Bakoji said.

Human rights lawyer and security commentator, Barrister Bulama Bukarti, also warned authorities against ignoring the worsening security crisis, saying the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar should serve as a wake-up call.

“The tragic death of a retired senior military officer should serve as a wake-up call to the government and all stakeholders. The worsening security situation requires urgent and decisive action,” Bukarti said.

Bukarti noted that the incident was not isolated, citing previous cases involving senior military officers who fell victim to insecurity, including General Tsiga, who was abducted and spent more than 50 days in captivity, and General Alkali, who was killed along the Jos road.

He questioned the lack of accountability in such cases and called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to him, if individuals who spent their careers defending the country can become victims of violent crime, ordinary citizens remain even more vulnerable.

The death of the retired general has reignited debate over the effectiveness of current security strategies and prompted renewed calls for stronger measures to safeguard lives and property across Nigeria.