Gunmen Abduct Former Nigerian Defence Spokesman Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar and Wife in Katsina State

Former Director of Defence Information, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, and his wife have been abducted by unidentified gunmen in Katsina State. The high-profile kidnapping occurred while the couple was traveling within the northern state, sparking immediate concern across Nigeria's security apparatus. Sources within the military have confirmed that intensive search and rescue operations have been initiated to ensure the safe return of the retired general and his spouse following the ambush.

Reports indicate that the incident took place near the Matazu Local Government Area, a region that has increasingly grappled with security challenges. During the abduction, the couple’s driver sustained a gunshot injury but managed to escape the attackers. The vehicle used by General Abubakar was subsequently recovered and is currently held by the local police for forensic examination. While military sources have acknowledged the ongoing efforts to track the kidnappers, official public statements from the Nigerian Army or police headquarters have not yet been released.

This abduction underscores the persistent threat of banditry and kidnapping for ransom that continues to plague parts of Northern Nigeria, including Katsina. The targeting of a senior retired military officer, who formerly served as the primary spokesperson for the nation's defense efforts, highlights the growing audacity of criminal elements in the region. As security forces tighten their cordons in the surrounding areas, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile security climate facing both high-profile individuals and the general public in the region.