Bandits Abduct Former Military Spokesperson, Wife in Katsina

Suspected armed bandits have abducted a former Director of Defence Information, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, and his wife in Katsina State, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West region.

The incident reportedly occurred along the Katsina–Matazu road in Matazu Local Government Area while the retired senior military officer and his wife were travelling to Katsina. According to sources, armed men intercepted their vehicle and whisked the couple away to an unknown destination.

Sources said the driver conveying the former military spokesman escaped from the scene despite sustaining a gunshot injury during the attack. The vehicle, a red Peugeot 504, was later recovered and taken to the Matazu Divisional Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.

Major General Abubakar served as Director of Defence Information and was one of the prominent public faces of the Nigerian Armed Forces during his time in service. His reported abduction has triggered concern within security circles, with calls for urgent efforts to secure the release of the victims.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State Police Command nor military authorities had issued an official statement on the incident or provided details of ongoing rescue operations.

The latest abduction underscores the persistent security challenges facing Katsina State and other parts of the North-West, where cases of banditry, kidnappings and attacks on travellers have continued despite ongoing military operations against criminal groups.