Suspected bandits have abducted retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife during an attack along the KatsinaβMatazu road in Katsina State, raising fresh concerns over the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria's North-West region.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Saturday while the former military officer and his wife were travelling through Matazu Local Government Area. Armed men reportedly intercepted their vehicle, opened fire, and whisked the couple away to an unknown destination.
Sources familiar with the incident disclosed that the retired general's driver managed to escape despite sustaining gunshot injuries during the attack. The vehicle involved, a red Peugeot 504, was later recovered and taken to the Matazu Divisional Police Headquarters, where visible bullet holes reportedly indicated the intensity of the assault.
Major General Abubakar is a former Director of Defence Information and served as one of the Nigerian Armed Forces' most prominent spokespersons during his years in service. His abduction has sparked widespread reactions across the country, with many expressing concern that even high-profile retired military officers are not immune to the growing threat posed by armed criminal groups.
The incident is the latest in a series of kidnappings and attacks that have continued to plague parts of Katsina State despite ongoing security operations aimed at curbing banditry and related crimes. Residents and travellers have repeatedly raised alarm over the increasing insecurity along major highways and rural communities in the state.
Security sources revealed that efforts are already underway to secure the safe release of the retired general and his wife. Military authorities are said to have activated search-and-rescue operations while intelligence assets have been deployed to track down the abductors.
The abduction has once again renewed calls for stronger security measures across Nigeria's North-West region, where kidnapping for ransom and bandit attacks remain major concerns.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation regarding the whereabouts of the victims, while rescue efforts continued.
Naija Delta Voice will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
The report is based on multiple news accounts published on May 30β31, 2026.
