Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife have been kidnapped by armed men in Nigeria's Katsina state. The army confirmed the abduction on Saturday. Maj Gen Abubakar previously served as the Nigerian army's spokesman from 2015 to 2017.
The couple was taken from their vehicle while travelling. Military spokesman Gen Michael Onoja stated that efforts are underway to rescue them and apprehend the perpetrators. This incident draws attention to the serious security issues plaguing northern Nigeria, where criminal groups, referred to locally as 'bandits', frequently carry out kidnappings. These groups also engage in cattle rustling and attacks on communities. Some militant jihadist groups also operate in the area. For example, a US airstrike targeted an alleged militant camp in Sokoto state on December 25 of last year.
Katsina state is among those most severely affected by this violence. Neighbouring Zamfara state has experienced similar security problems for years. Past attempts by some communities to negotiate peace with armed groups have largely failed to bring lasting stability. The Nigerian government has increased its efforts to combat kidnappings. It has introduced measures to discourage the payment of ransoms, but attacks continue. No group has claimed responsibility for this latest abduction. The army is awaiting contact from the kidnappers.
Local reports indicate that Maj Gen Abubakar was travelling to Katsina for a wedding. Gunmen attacked his vehicle during the journey. His driver reportedly escaped the attack despite sustaining gunshot injuries. The former military spokesman and his wife were then taken into a forested area nearby. This kidnapping follows another violent incident in Katsina state just a day earlier. On Friday, armed men reportedly raided Kiliya village in Dutsinma Local Government Area. At least 16 people were killed during that attack. Police have not yet released official comments on the reported killings. Residents stated the attack occurred shortly after Friday prayers, during Eid al-Adha holiday celebrations. Security agencies had warned about potential attacks during the holidays. This led some state governments to implement measures restricting large public gatherings and enhancing security.