The abductors of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife have released a video showing the couple in captivity, one week after they were kidnapped in Katsina State.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
Abubakar, who served as spokesperson for the Nigerian Armed Forces between 2015 and 2017, was abducted alongside his wife on Saturday, May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, near Zakin Baure village.
The couple were reportedly travelling to a wedding in a red Peugeot vehicle when gunmen ambushed them at about 11:00 a.m. Their driver was said to have escaped despite sustaining gunshot injuries, while the retired general and his wife were taken into a nearby forest.
In the video released by the abductors, the couple appealed to the Katsina State Government and chairmen of affected local government areas to intervene and meet the demands of the kidnappers to secure their release.
The abductors, said to be linked to a notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Muhammad, are reportedly demanding the release of some of their detained members and relatives, as well as the return of livestock allegedly seized from them.
In the video, Abubakar’s wife appealed directly to Governor Dikko Radda and the chairmen of Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, Tsanyawa and Kusada Local Government Areas to act urgently.
She said the abductors were demanding the release of three persons identified as Ambiya, Sani and Nasiru, who she said were in custody. According to her, two of them were arrested in Katsina while one was arrested in Kano.
She also said the abductors were asking for the return of their cattle and sheep.
“We are begging you to please help us. Help us, help us, for God’s sake,” she said.
“They have their grievances. There are three of their children who were arrested. These include Ambiya, Sani and Nasiru. They are currently in custody, along with several others. They want them to be released.
“Along with their wealth, their cattle and their sheep that were seized from them. We are appealing to you, for God’s sake, for the sake of the Prophet.”
She added that if the demands were considered, a meeting could be held with the abductors to restore peace in the affected communities.
According to her, residents of the area want peace to return so that people can resume farming and move around without fear.
Abubakar also spoke in the video, saying the abductors had given what he described as their final conditions for peace in the area.
He appealed to the government to explore dialogue and reconciliation, saying the abductors claimed they were ready to cooperate if their demands were met.
“They have given their ultimate conditions to bring peace to this region,” he said.
“If they are given their rights, if they are given cooperation, they have explained to us that they are ready to ensure there is absolute peace in this area.
“We are appealing to the government to ensure that peace is established. It is important that people cooperate with each other. Reconciliation is best. Reconciliation is what brings goodness.”
The abduction of the former military spokesman has heightened concern over worsening insecurity in parts of the North-West, where armed groups have continued to carry out highway attacks, kidnappings and raids on rural communities.
Security forces and intelligence agencies are said to have activated search-and-rescue operations in the forest areas around the abduction route.
“Order Your Copy Now” — Basil Momodu, Esq. Unveils Second Edition Of His Book, "Civil Procedure In Nigeria"
According to the learned author, Basil Momodu Esq. "Law review is a continuum. We will continue to track changes in the law to enrich future editions." Recommended Booksellers: Lagos: 08033855230, Abuja: 08035991379, and others.
_______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
As an added bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE ebook titled: “AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion: A Research Guide.”
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
