Gunmen Abduct Former Defence Spokesman, Wife in Katsina

Former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), and his wife have reportedly been abducted by gunmen in Katsina State, adding to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria.

According to reports, the retired military officer and his wife were travelling through the Matazu area of Katsina State when armed attackers intercepted their vehicle and took them to an unknown location.

Sources familiar with the incident said the attack occurred along the Katsina–Matazu road, an area that has witnessed repeated security challenges in recent years despite ongoing operations by security agencies.

Information circulating among military veterans indicated that the retired general’s driver managed to escape during the incident despite sustaining a gunshot injury. The abandoned vehicle was later reportedly recovered by authorities.

Military sources confirmed that efforts are underway to secure the release of the former defence spokesman and his wife, with security agencies said to be monitoring the situation closely.

As of the time of reporting, security authorities had not released detailed official findings on the abduction, while rescue efforts continue.