Malik Yahya/
Bandits holding retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, have released a video showing the couple in captivity and demanding a prisoner exchange for their freedom.
The video, which has circulated widely on social media, reportedly features a notorious bandit leader identified as Kachalla Muhammadu speaking while the abducted couple appeal to government authorities and community leaders for intervention.
The footage is believed to be the first proof that the former military spokesman and his wife remain alive since their abduction.
According to information contained in the video and reports from local media, the kidnappers are seeking the release of some of their detained associates in exchange for the couple.
The demand marks a significant escalation in a case that has attracted national attention because of the retired officer’s prominent role in Nigeria’s military establishment.
Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information and one-time spokesman for the Nigerian Armed Forces, was abducted alongside his wife on May 30 while travelling through Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Reports indicate that the couple were heading to Katsina for a wedding when armed men ambushed their vehicle near Zakin Baure village.
The attackers reportedly opened fire on the vehicle before taking the couple into captivity.
Their driver escaped despite sustaining gunshot injuries during the attack.
A red Peugeot 504 believed to belong to the retired general was later recovered by security agencies and taken to the Matazu Divisional Police Headquarters.
Investigations by local media suggest that the couple are being held by Kachalla Muhammadu, a bandit leader operating in the Matazu axis of Katsina State.
Sources familiar with the incident claimed the kidnappers may not initially have known the identity of their victims when they carried out the roadside attack.
Following the abduction, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that efforts were underway to rescue the retired officer and his wife.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, told the BBC that security agencies were working to secure their release and apprehend those responsible.
The incident has renewed concerns about the worsening security situation in Katsina State, one of the regions most affected by banditry, mass kidnappings and attacks on rural communities.
Despite repeated military operations, criminal groups continue to target travellers and residents along major highways in the North-West.
The kidnapping is also the latest high-profile case involving a retired senior military officer in Katsina.
In February 2025, retired Major General Maharazu Tsiga, a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, was abducted in the state and spent nearly two months in captivity before regaining his freedom.
As of Saturday, neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had publicly commented on the reported prisoner-swap demand contained in the latest video.
Click link to see video:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1932929797414302/?app=fbl
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