Suspected armed bandits have abducted former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), and his wife in Katsina State, sparking renewed concerns over insecurity in the North-West region.
According to security sources, the retired senior military officer and his wife were travelling through Matazu Local Government Area on Saturday morning when their vehicle was ambushed by heavily armed gunmen.
The attackers reportedly intercepted the couple’s vehicle and whisked them away to an undisclosed location.
A source familiar with the incident disclosed that the vehicle’s driver managed to escape despite sustaining gunshot wounds during the attack.
“The former Director of Defence Information and his wife were travelling in a red Peugeot 504 saloon car when they were waylaid by armed men along the route. The driver escaped with gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical attention,” the source said.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Security agencies have reportedly launched coordinated search-and-rescue operations aimed at securing the safe release of the victims.
According to the source, intelligence and security assets have been mobilised to track the abductors and locate the retired general and his wife.
“Security forces have already activated search-and-rescue operations, while intelligence assets have been deployed to track the abductors and ensure the victims’ safe return,” the source added.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from military authorities or other security agencies confirming the incident.
Renewed Security Concerns
The abduction has further heightened concerns over persistent insecurity in parts of Katsina State despite ongoing military operations against bandit groups across the North-West.
The incident also underscores the growing trend of attacks targeting high-profile individuals, including serving and retired military personnel, along major highways and rural communities in the region.
In recent years, several security officers have either been kidnapped, ambushed, or attacked by criminal gangs operating in Katsina and neighbouring states.
Prominent Military Figure
Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.) served as Director of Defence Information and was one of the Nigerian military’s most recognisable spokespersons during his years in service. He played a key role in communicating the activities of the Armed Forces, particularly during counterinsurgency and national security operations.
The latest kidnapping is expected to intensify calls for stronger security measures on major roads and in vulnerable communities across Katsina State as residents continue to grapple with the threats posed by banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
