Kidnappers of Ex-Army General Release Video, Demand Livestock, Prisoner Release

The abductors of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, and his wife have released a video showing the couple in captivity, escalating concerns over their safety.

The incident reportedly occurred along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, near Zakin Baure village, where the retired military officer and his wife were abducted.

In the four-minute video circulating on social media, the wife of the retired general was seen speaking on behalf of the kidnappers, conveying their demands to authorities and the public.

The demands reportedly include the release of three detained individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru, as well as the return of livestock allegedly confiscated from the group. According to her statement in the video, two of the detained persons were arrested in Jikamshi, while another was arrested in Kano.

She also appealed to the Katsina State Government and leaders of five local government areas to intervene and meet the conditions to secure the release of the captives.

In the same video, the retired general briefly called for calm and urged efforts toward peaceful resolution, suggesting that the abductors were open to dialogue and negotiation.

Reports also indicate that a known bandit leader, identified as Kachallah Muhammad, operating in parts of Katsina State, has allegedly been in communication with the family regarding possible negotiations.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement on the video or the demands made by the abductors.

The development adds to ongoing concerns over kidnapping incidents in northern Nigeria, where armed groups increasingly combine ransom demands with broader conditions involving detainee exchanges and seized livestock.