Former Defence Information Spokesman, Wife Abducted in Katsina Bandit Attack

A former Director of Defence Information, Rabe Abubakar, and his wife have reportedly been abducted by suspected armed bandits along the Matazu axis of Katsina State.

Security sources and local reports indicate that the retired senior military officer and his wife were travelling within the state when armed assailants intercepted their vehicle on Saturday and whisked them away to an unknown location.

According to information obtained by journalists, the attack occurred within Matazu Local Government Area, a hotspot in Katsina’s worsening security crisis, where armed groups have repeatedly carried out kidnappings and attacks in recent years.

A source familiar with the incident said the officer’s driver managed to escape during the attack but sustained a gunshot injury. The vehicle used by the retired general was later recovered and reportedly taken to a police division in the area.

“The driver escaped with gunshot injuries, while the senior officer and his wife were taken away by the attackers,” the source said.

Another message circulating within security and military circles, allegedly forwarded by a retired senior officer, confirmed the incident and called for urgent intervention by relevant authorities.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State Police Command nor the military authorities had issued an official confirmation or statement regarding the abduction.

Katsina State and neighbouring Zamfara State remain among the most affected areas in Nigeria’s north-west, where armed bandit groups continue to carry out kidnappings, killings, and attacks on rural communities despite ongoing security operations.

Over the years, authorities have introduced a mix of military offensives and negotiation efforts aimed at curbing banditry, but the violence has persisted across several local government areas.

The latest incident adds to growing concerns over the safety of travellers and residents in the region, as security agencies intensify search-and-rescue efforts.