A retired senior military officer, Rabe Abubakar, and his wife have reportedly been abducted by armed bandits in Katsina State, raising fresh concerns about insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West region.
The incident occurred on Saturday in Matazu Local Government Area as the retired Major General and his wife were traveling toward Katsina. According to reports, gunmen intercepted their vehicle and opened fire during the attack.
The couple’s driver reportedly sustained gunshot injuries but managed to escape and alert security authorities. Security operatives later recovered the victims’ vehicle, a red Peugeot 406, which was said to have been riddled with bullets. Personal belongings were also reportedly found inside the abandoned car.
Following the abduction, security agencies, including personnel of the Nigerian Army, police officers, and local vigilante groups, launched a search-and-rescue operation across surrounding communities and forested areas.
As of the latest reports, no group had claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, and there were no confirmed reports of ransom demands.
The abduction has generated concern because of the profile of the victim, a retired military officer who once served in senior positions within Nigeria’s armed forces.
The incident also underscores the continuing security challenges facing parts of northwestern Nigeria, where bandit attacks, kidnappings, and armed raids have persisted despite intensified military operations.
The development comes shortly after senior government officials, including Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, highlighted progress in the fight against terrorism and banditry across several regions of the country.
Security analysts note that while military operations have degraded some criminal networks, kidnapping-for-ransom and rural bandit attacks remain significant threats in parts of Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and neighboring states.
Residents and community leaders have repeatedly called for stronger security presence, improved intelligence gathering, and sustained operations against armed groups operating in remote areas.
Authorities have urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist in locating the victims and securing their safe release.
The search operation remains ongoing, with security agencies expressing optimism that the retired general and his wife will be rescued unharmed.
