A retired Nigerian Army major general and his wife have been abducted by armed men in Katsina State, adding to growing security concerns across Nigeria’s north-west region.
The victims were identified as Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar (retd.), a former Director of Defence Information who served as military spokesman between 2015 and 2017, and his wife. The couple was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday while travelling through Katsina State.
Confirming the incident, military authorities said efforts are underway to locate the couple and secure their release. Military spokesperson, Gen. Michael Onoja, told the BBC that security operatives have launched a rescue mission and are working to track down those responsible.
Reports indicate that Abubakar was travelling to Katsina to attend a wedding ceremony when gunmen intercepted his vehicle. During the attack, the driver’s vehicle came under gunfire, but the driver reportedly escaped despite sustaining injuries.
The attackers allegedly whisked the retired general and his wife into a nearby forest, a tactic commonly employed by armed criminal groups operating across the region.
No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, and security officials said they are yet to receive any communication from the kidnappers regarding possible ransom demands.
The incident once again underscores the persistent insecurity plaguing north-west Nigeria, where heavily armed gangs known locally as bandits frequently engage in kidnappings, cattle rustling and deadly attacks on rural communities.
Katsina State remains one of the hardest-hit areas in the region. Despite increased military operations and government efforts to curb ransom-related crimes, attacks continue to occur across several communities.
The abduction comes barely a day after another violent incident in the state. Armed men reportedly attacked Kiliya village in Dutsinma Local Government Area on Friday, killing at least 16 people during Eid al-Adha celebrations. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the reported killings.
Security agencies had earlier warned of potential attacks during the festive period, prompting some state governments in the region to tighten security measures and discourage large public gatherings.
