Suspected bandits kidnap ex-military spokeman, wife

Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife have reportedly been abducted by suspected armed bandits in Katsina State.

According to sources, the incident occurred on Saturday while the retired military officer and his wife were travelling to Katsina. The attackers allegedly intercepted their vehicle in Matazu Local Government Area before taking the couple to an unknown location.

Matazu is among several areas in Katsina State that have experienced recurring attacks linked to armed criminal groups in recent years.

According to a source familiar with the development, the retired general’s driver escaped from the scene despite suffering a gunshot wound during the attack.

“Maj. Gen. R. Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, was kidnapped together with his wife on his way to Katsina today. He was kidnapped along Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. His driver escaped with a gunshot injury,” the source said.

The source further revealed that the vehicle being used by the retired officer, a red Peugeot 504, was later recovered and taken to the Nigeria Police Force divisional headquarters in Matazu.

“The senior officer’s Peugeot 504, red in colour, is parked at the Matazu Division of the Nigeria Police Force,” the source added.

A separate message reportedly circulated among security personnel and military contacts, and said to have been forwarded by retired Brigadier General Sagir Musa, also alerted authorities to the incident and appealed for urgent action.

The message read: “Maj Gen R Abubakar former Dir Def Info was kidnapped together with his wife on his way to Katsina today. He was kidnapped along Matazu LGA of KTS. His driver escaped with gunshot injury. The Snr offr Peugeot 504 Red in color is parked at Matazu Div NPF. Plse pass to authorities as appropriate.”

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State Police Command nor military authorities had issued an official statement confirming or disputing the reported abduction.

Katsina and neighbouring Zamfara states continue to face persistent security challenges, with armed groups carrying out kidnappings, killings, cattle rustling and attacks on communities despite ongoing military and security operations.

Over the years, authorities at both state and local levels have introduced peace initiatives and dialogue efforts aimed at ending the violence and encouraging armed groups to surrender their weapons.

However, many of these initiatives have failed to deliver a lasting solution, as attacks continue to be recorded in several communities across the affected states.

(SAHARA REPORTERS)