Fresh concerns have emerged over the fate of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife after a video surfaced online showing the couple in captivity days after their abduction in Katsina State.
The former Director of Defence Information and his wife were kidnapped along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area, near Zakin Baure village. The incident sparked widespread concern due to Abubakar’s high-profile role during his years of military service.
In the four-minute video, which has been circulating on social media, the retired general’s wife delivered a message on behalf of the kidnappers, outlining conditions they claim must be met before the couple can regain their freedom.
Among the demands made by the abductors is the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru. The group also requested the return of livestock they alleged had been seized from them.
The woman stated that two of the individuals were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was reportedly detained in Kano State. She appealed to the Katsina State Government and leaders across five local government areas to intervene and facilitate compliance with the demands.
Major General Abubakar also spoke briefly in the video, urging efforts toward peace and dialogue. He said the armed group had expressed a willingness to engage in discussions aimed at peaceful coexistence.
Reports further indicate that notorious bandit leader Kachallah Muhammad, who is believed to operate in parts of Katsina State, has allegedly established contact with the family of the retired military officer regarding the situation.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had released an official statement on the video or the demands made by the abductors.
The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom and attacks by armed groups continue to pose major challenges for residents and security authorities.
