A video released by the abductors of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife has surfaced online, revealing the conditions set for the couple’s freedom.
The retired military officer and his wife were reportedly kidnapped along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, close to Zakin Baure village.
In the approximately four-minute video, which circulated widely on social media platforms on Saturday, the abductors outlined a number of demands they said must be met before the couple would be released.
During the recording, Abubakar’s wife appeared to relay the conditions presented by the kidnappers. According to her, the group is demanding the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru, whom they claim are currently in detention.
She stated that two of the individuals were allegedly arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was taken into custody in Kano State.
The retired general’s wife appealed to the Katsina State Government and community leaders across five local government areas to intervene and facilitate compliance with the demands in an effort to secure their freedom.
She urged relevant authorities and stakeholders to take urgent action, expressing hope that negotiations could lead to the safe release of the couple.
In a brief appearance during the video, the retired army officer also made remarks centered on peace and dialogue.
Abubakar called for efforts aimed at fostering understanding and peaceful coexistence, noting that the abductors had indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue as part of efforts to resolve the situation.
His comments appeared to emphasize the importance of non-violent engagement and conflict resolution in addressing security challenges affecting communities in the region.
According to reports by Daily Trust, a notorious bandit leader identified as Kachallah Muhammad, who is said to operate in parts of Katsina State, has reportedly established communication with members of the retired general’s family.
The report suggested that contacts between the family and individuals linked to the abductors may be ongoing as efforts continue to secure the release of the victims.
However, details regarding the nature of the discussions or any progress made have not been officially disclosed.
The latest development has drawn attention to the persistent insecurity affecting parts of northwestern Nigeria, where kidnapping for ransom and banditry continue to pose significant threats to residents and travelers.
Katsina State, in particular, has experienced repeated incidents involving armed groups operating across rural communities and major road corridors.
The circulation of videos featuring kidnapped victims has become a recurring tactic used by criminal groups to publicize their demands and exert pressure on authorities and families.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State Government nor relevant security agencies had issued an official statement regarding the authenticity of the video or the specific demands made by the abductors.
Authorities have also not publicly confirmed whether negotiations are underway or whether any security operation has been launched to secure the release of the retired military officer and his wife.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the safety of citizens and the growing challenge posed by armed criminal groups operating in parts of the country.
Security analysts have repeatedly called for strengthened intelligence gathering, improved coordination among security agencies and enhanced community engagement to address the underlying causes of insecurity and reduce the incidence of kidnappings.
For now, the fate of the retired general and his wife remains uncertain as family members, community leaders and security authorities continue efforts aimed at securing their safe return.
