By Kimberly White l Date: June 6, 2026
KATSINA, NIGERIA — Abductors holding retired Nigerian Army officer Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife have released a video showing the couple in captivity while outlining conditions they claim must be met before any release can take place.
The retired military officer, who previously served as Director of Defence Information, and his wife were reportedly abducted along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State near Zakin Baure village, an incident that drew widespread concern over persistent insecurity in northwestern Nigeria.
According to reports, the four-minute video circulated online featured the retired general’s wife communicating the captors’ demands. The kidnappers allegedly called for the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru, and also demanded the return of livestock they claimed had been confiscated. Reports indicated two of the individuals were said to have been arrested in Jikamshi, while another was reportedly detained in Kano.
In the recording, appeals were made to the Katsina State Government and community leaders across multiple local government areas to intervene and facilitate discussions aimed at securing the couple’s freedom. The retired general was also reported to have spoken briefly, expressing hope for peace and suggesting that the abductors had indicated interest in dialogue.
Separate reports cited in local coverage suggested that a known bandit leader operating in parts of Katsina State had opened communication channels with relatives of the retired officer, although authorities had not publicly confirmed those claims at the time of reporting.
As of Saturday, neither the Katsina State Government nor Nigerian security agencies had issued an official response regarding the contents of the video or whether negotiations were underway. The incident adds to continuing concerns over kidnapping and armed violence affecting communities across northern Nigeria.