Suspected armed bandits have abducted retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information and one-time spokesperson of the Nigerian Armed Forces, along with his wife in Katsina State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday morning along the Katsina–Matazu road in Matazu Local Government Area while the retired military officer and his wife were travelling to Katsina.
Security sources disclosed that the couple’s vehicle was intercepted by heavily armed gunmen who ambushed them and whisked them away to an unknown destination. Their driver, who was reportedly shot during the attack, managed to escape and is currently receiving medical attention.
Sources familiar with the incident said the assailants opened fire on the vehicle before forcibly taking the retired general and his wife. The victims were said to be travelling in a red Peugeot 504 saloon car, which was later recovered and reportedly taken to the Matazu Divisional Police Headquarters.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had reportedly launched search-and-rescue operations aimed at securing the safe release of the abducted couple. Intelligence and security personnel have also been mobilised to track the kidnappers and determine their location.
The abduction has sparked fresh concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Katsina State and the wider North-West region, where banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks have continued despite ongoing military operations.
Major General Abubakar, during his years of active service, served as one of the most prominent public faces of the Nigerian military. As Director of Defence Information, he played a significant role in communicating the activities and operations of the Armed Forces during critical periods of the country’s counterinsurgency campaigns.
The latest incident highlights the growing audacity of criminal groups operating in the region, who have increasingly targeted both high-profile individuals and ordinary citizens for ransom. Security analysts note that attacks along major highways in Katsina and neighbouring states have remained a major challenge despite repeated security interventions.
The development also recalls recent cases involving the abduction of serving and retired security personnel in the North-West. Observers say the incident underscores the urgent need for intensified security measures and improved intelligence gathering to tackle the persistent threat posed by armed bandit groups.
Neither the Katsina State Police Command nor military authorities had issued an official statement on the incident as of press time. However, sources within the security community expressed optimism that ongoing operations would lead to the safe rescue of the victims.
Residents and travellers in the area have continued to express concern over the recurring attacks on major roads, calling on authorities to strengthen surveillance and security presence across vulnerable routes in the state.