Bandits Abduct Ex-Defence Spokesman, Wife In Katsina

 By Kehinde Awosina 

A former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar, and his wife have been abducted by suspected bandits in Katsina State.

The retired military officer and his wife were reportedly travelling to Katsina on Saturday when armed men intercepted their vehicle around the Matazu Local Government Area and whisked them away to an unknown destination. 

Security sources quoted in multiple reports disclosed that the attackers ambushed the couple along the route, forcing their vehicle to stop before taking them into the forest. Reports also indicated that the driver of the vehicle escaped from the scene despite sustaining gunshot injuries during the attack. 

According to information circulating on military veterans’ platforms and widely shared across social media, the former defence spokesman was travelling in a red Peugeot vehicle when the incident occurred. The vehicle was later reportedly recovered by security operatives. 

A senior military source confirmed the incident, stating that efforts were already underway to secure the release of the retired general and his wife. The source said security agencies had launched coordinated rescue operations following the abduction. 

The development has sparked reactions across social media, with several users expressing concern over the worsening security situation in parts of northern Nigeria. Posts shared by news platforms and commentators on Facebook, Instagram, and X described the incident as another major security breach in Katsina State. 

Katsina State has witnessed repeated attacks by bandits and kidnappers in recent years, particularly along rural highways and communities vulnerable to armed attacks.