Retired Major General and Wife Kidnapped in Katsina State

A retired senior military officer and his wife were abducted by armed men in Katsina State on Saturday, highlighting persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s northwest region. Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife were taken while traveling along the Katsina-Matazu road.

The abduction occurred in the Matazu Local Government Area. According to police and security sources, gunmen intercepted the couple’s vehicle, a red Peugeot, near Aduwa village. The driver sustained a gunshot injury but managed to escape the attack. He was treated at a local healthcare facility before being transferred to Katsina for further care. The abandoned vehicle, showing signs of bullet damage, was later recovered and taken to the Matazu Divisional Police Headquarters.

Authorities have launched a search-and-rescue operation. The Commissioner of Police for Katsina State visited the scene, and additional tactical units have been deployed to comb surrounding areas. A military source confirmed that efforts are underway to secure the couple’s release, though no official statement has been issued by the Defence Headquarters.

Major General Abubakar served as the...