Retired General Rabe Abubakar and Wife Abducted in Katsina State, Nigeria
A retired senior Nigerian military officer, Major General Rabe Abubakar, and his wife have been abducted by armed individuals in north-west Nigeria, the army has confirmed. General Abubakar, who served as military spokesman between 2015 and 2017, was seized from his vehicle on Saturday while traversing Katsina state.
Efforts are reportedly under way to locate and rescue the couple, according to military spokesman General Michael Onoja.
Persistent Insecurity in Nigeria's North-West
This kidnapping underscores the continuing security crisis in parts of north-west Nigeria, where criminal groups, often termed "bandits", routinely conduct kidnappings for ransom, engage in cattle rustling, and assault rural communities. The region has also seen activity from some militant jihadist groups, with a suspected militant camp in Sokoto state reportedly targeted by a US airstrike on 25 December last year.
Katsina has been particularly affected by this violence. Neighbouring Zamfara state has experienced years of similar unrest, where local attempts to broker peace with armed factions have largely failed to establish lasting stability. The government has increased measures to combat kidnappings, including policies to deter ransom payments, yet attacks persist.
No group has claimed responsibility for Saturday's abduction, and the army awaits contact from the captors. Local reports indicate that General Abubakar was en route to a wedding when gunmen attacked his vehicle. His driver reportedly escaped despite sustaining gunshot wounds, while the general and his wife were forcibly taken into a nearby forested area.
The abduction occurred just days after another violent incident in Katsina state. On Friday, armed individuals reportedly raided Kiliya village in the Dutsinma Local Government Area, resulting in at least 16 fatalities. Police have not yet commented on these reported killings.
Residents stated that the Kiliya attack took place shortly after Friday prayers, as people gathered to observe the Eid al-Adha holiday. Security agencies had previously issued warnings regarding potential attacks during the celebrations, leading some state governments to implement measures restricting large public gatherings and enhancing security.
