We’re working to rescue kidnapped retired Major Gen Abubakar — Defence hq

By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA—After former Director of Defence Information Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife were abducted in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State on Saturday by suspected terrorists, Defence Headquarters announced the deployment of intelligence units. The headquarters said troops were working around the clock to rescue the senior officer.

A senior officer, speaking confidentially about the operation, declined to disclose details but confirmed that “we are working round the clock to rescue him.”

Commissioner of Police for the Katsina State command, CP Ali Umar Fage, visited the scene and deployed additional resources to strengthen the ongoing search and rescue mission, aiming to secure the victims unharmed and apprehend the perpetrators.

A police statement released after the incident read: “On May 30, 2026, at about 11.00 hrs, suspected armed bandits wielding dangerous weapons attacked a red Peugeot 406 saloon along Karaduwa-Matazu Road, Matazu LGA.”

The statement, signed by DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, added: “The driver, Abdullahi Sa’id, sustained a gunshot injury to the right arm.”

“Two occupants, Abdullahi Batsari and Amina Abdullahi, were abducted before security forces arrived.”

“Upon receiving the report, DPO Matazu, accompanied by VCRU, responded swiftly, secured the scene, and evacuated the injured driver for medical treatment.”

Further developments will be communicated in due course, please.”

Reports on Saturday indicated that the abduction occurred along the Katsina–Matazu road while the former senior military officer was traveling with his wife to celebrate Eid‑El‑Kabir from Abuja. Their vehicle was reportedly stopped by armed men in Matazu Local Government Area, after which they were taken to an unknown location. The driver escaped the incident with a bullet injury.

Major General Abubakar, retired, had served as a military spokesperson and played a key role in defence communications within the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges in Nigeria, despite ongoing military efforts against armed criminal groups.

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