By Joy Yesufu and Kamsi Anayo
Suspected armed bandits have abducted former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), and his wife in Katsina State, in an attack that has heightened concerns over the persistent insecurity in the North-West region.
Sources said 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.
According to security sources familiar with the incident, the attackers intercepted the couple’s vehicle and whisked them away to an undisclosed location.
The vehicle’s driver reportedly escaped despite sustaining gunshot injuries during the attack.
“The former Director of Defence Information and his wife were travelling in a red Peugeot 504 saloon car when armed men ambushed them along the route. The driver managed to escape with gunshot wounds and is currently receiving medical treatment,” a security source disclosed.
The source further revealed that security agencies have launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation aimed at securing the safe release of the victims.
“Security forces have activated rescue operations, while intelligence assets have been deployed to track the abductors and facilitate the victims’ safe return,” the source added.
As of the time of filing this report, official confirmation from military authorities and relevant security agencies was still being awaited.
The incident has renewed concerns over the security situation in Katsina State despite ongoing military offensives against bandit groups operating across the North-West.
Security analysts note that criminal gangs in the region have increasingly targeted prominent individuals, including serving and retired military officers, for kidnapping and ransom operations.
Major General Abubakar, a former military spokesperson, served as Director of Defence Information.
The latest abduction is expected to intensify calls for stronger security measures along major highways and vulnerable rural communities in Katsina State, where residents continue to grapple with banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
