Army commander advocates whole-of-society approach to end insecurity, vows sustained offensive against General Rabe’s abductors
By Zagazola Makama
The Commander of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Katsina, Brig.-Gen. M. I. Ibrahim, has stressed that defeating banditry and other security threats in Nigeria requires a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, saying the military alone cannot win the fight without the active support of other institutions and citizens.
The brigade commander stated this while receiving a delegation Defence Correspondents at the Headquarters of the 17 Brigade in Katsina.
Ibrahim said security remained a collective responsibility, with every segment of society expected to contribute towards restoring lasting peace across the country.
“The Nigerian Army can only play its own role. To effectively tackle insurgency, banditry and other forms of insecurity, we must adopt a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. Every security agency, intelligence organisation, government institution and indeed every citizen has a responsibility to play,” he said.
Drawing from his experience in previous operations, including Operation Safe Haven, the commander noted that military successes were only possible through coordinated efforts among the armed forces, intelligence agencies, law enforcement organisations, correctional services and local communities.
He explained that while the Army’s primary responsibility was to confront and neutralise armed criminals, intelligence gathering, law enforcement, prosecution, community engagement and governance were equally critical to defeating insecurity.
According to him, improved collaboration among stakeholders would not only weaken criminal networks but also create conditions for displaced communities to safely return to their ancestral homes, resume farming and commercial activities, and rebuild sustainable livelihoods.
The commander also reaffirmed the brigade’s determination to sustain pressure on bandits operating in Katsina State, particularly those involved in the abduction of retired Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Rabe.
He recalled that the abduction of the retired general was one of the brigade’s most challenging moments over the past six months, attracting intense public attention and operational pressure.
Despite the challenges, Ibrahim said troops responded professionally, leading to the rescue of the retired general’s wife and several other kidnapped victims, while inflicting heavy losses on the criminal groups.
“The terrorists have been put on the back foot, and they remain on the back foot. We will leave no stone unturned in tracking those responsible. We are not relenting until every one of them is brought to justice,” he said.
He commended the visiting counter-terrorism team for promoting balanced reporting on military operations, noting that objective narratives highlighting the sacrifices and achievements of security personnel were essential in strengthening public confidence and national resilience.
He noted that their efforts had helped highlight the sacrifices and successes of the Armed Forces of Nigeria beyond the negative headlines that often dominate public discourse.
He encouraged the team to remain steadfast despite criticism, describing their work as a valuable contribution to national security and public enlightenment.
On the broader fight against insecurity, Ibrahim stressed that military operations alone could not end terrorism and banditry, calling for a comprehensive whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
According to him, every institution and every citizen has a role to play in restoring peace, as security is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the battlefield.
Ibrahim reiterated that the 17 Brigade would continue to intensify operations across Katsina State while working closely with other security agencies, government institutions and local communities to ensure that criminal elements were eliminated and lasting peace restored.
He added that sustained cooperation would not only neutralise criminal elements but also create conditions for displaced communities to safely return to their ancestral homes, resume farming and other economic activities, and rebuild their livelihoods.
The brigade commander reaffirmed the commitment of the 17 Brigade to intensifying operations across Katsina State until criminal elements were eliminated and lasting peace restored.
“We are determined to do more. We will redouble our efforts to ensure Katsina State is free from criminal activities and all forms of insecurity,” he said.
