Armed gunmen have kidnapped retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife along a highway in Katsina State. The former Director of Defence Information was traveling to Katsina when the attack happened Saturday.
Matazu Local Government Area witnessed the abduction, according to sources briefed on the incident. Gunmen stopped their vehicle and took both captives to an unknown location.
Abubakar's driver managed to escape but suffered a gunshot wound during the ambush. He was the only person who got away from the attackers.
The red Peugeot 504 carrying the retired general has since been recovered. Police at Matazu Divisional Headquarters now have the vehicle in custody.
Matazu is notorious for bandit attacks despite heavy military deployments across the state. Travelers on this route face constant danger from armed groups.
Word of the abduction spread quickly through security circles Saturday evening. Retired Brigadier General Sagir Musa alerted military and police officials about what happened.
His message included details about the vehicle recovery and the driver's injury. Security agencies received the alert but haven't confirmed any rescue operation yet.
Neither the Katsina State Police Command nor the military has released an official statement. Spokespersons from both agencies have remained silent on the matter.
This kidnapping marks another blow to security in the North-West region. Katsina State has become a hotbed for banditry and armed attacks.
Criminal gangs operating here continue targeting travelers, communities, and now even retired military officers. Their growing boldness has alarmed residents and security experts alike.
Military offensives have failed to stem the violence despite months of operations. Armed groups still raid villages, abduct citizens, and ambush convoys regularly.
Observers say the brazen kidnapping of a high-ranking retired officer shows just how emboldened these criminals have become. The incident raises serious questions about security effectiveness in the region.
Residents and analysts are calling for stronger security measures immediately. Officials must take decisive action to protect people traveling on vulnerable routes.
Security agencies are expected to launch rescue efforts and provide updates soon. The incident highlights urgent gaps in protecting even prominent citizens from attack.
