Kidnappers Release Video of Ex-Defence Spokesman, Wife, Demand Prisoners, Livestock’s Return

The abductors of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, have released a video showing him and his wife while in captivity, weeks after their abduction in Katsina State.

The couple was reportedly kidnapped along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli route in Matazu Local Government Area, near Zakin Baure village, while travelling through the area.

In the video, which surfaced online on Saturday, the retired military officer and his wife were seen appealing for intervention as the kidnappers outlined conditions for their release.

Speaking in the footage, Abubakar’s wife conveyed the demands of the armed group, which include the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru.

According to her, the abductors claimed that two of the men were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was apprehended in Kano State.

The group is also demanding the return of livestock they alleged had been seized from them.

She appealed to the Katsina State Government, traditional leaders and authorities in several local government areas to facilitate discussions that could lead to the couple’s freedom.

The retired general, who spoke briefly during the recording, called for efforts aimed at restoring peace and resolving the situation through dialogue.

He indicated that the kidnappers had expressed willingness to engage in peaceful discussions and coexistence if their concerns were addressed.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that a notorious bandit leader, identified as Kachallah Muhammad, who is believed to operate in parts of Katsina State, has reportedly established contact with members of the retired general’s family.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement regarding the video or the demands made by the abductors.

The incident has further highlighted the persistent security challenges facing communities in parts of northern Nigeria, where cases of kidnapping for ransom and armed attacks continue to pose serious concerns.