Fresh concerns have emerged over the worsening security situation in northern Nigeria after the abductors of a retired Nigerian Army general released a video showing him and his wife in captivity while making a series of demands for their release.
The victims, retired Major General Abubakar Rabe and his wife, were kidnapped about a week ago along the Karaduwa–Matazu Road in Katsina State when armed men ambushed their vehicle during a journey. The incident immediately attracted national attention due to the retired officer’s distinguished military career and former role as a spokesman for the Nigerian Army. Since their abduction, family members, security agencies and concerned Nigerians have anxiously awaited information about their condition and possible release. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
In a video circulated on social media by the kidnappers, the retired general and his wife were seen standing as they appealed for intervention from government authorities and community leaders. The footage, which lasted several minutes, provided the first clear indication that the couple remained alive since their abduction. The emotional appeal has further heightened public concern over their safety and the growing influence of armed criminal groups operating across parts of the country.
During the video, the wife of the retired military officer disclosed that their captors were demanding the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru, whom they claimed were being held by authorities. According to her, two of the individuals were arrested in Jikamshi while another was arrested in Kano State. The kidnappers also demanded the return of livestock allegedly confiscated from them before they would consider freeing the couple. Notably, no monetary ransom demand was mentioned in the video, a development that has sparked discussions about the evolving tactics of armed groups operating in the region.
Appealing directly to government officials, traditional leaders and authorities in affected local government areas, the retired general’s wife urged them to facilitate compliance with the kidnappers’ demands in order to secure their freedom. Her plea reflected the desperation often experienced by victims held in captivity and the difficult decisions faced by authorities when dealing with kidnapping cases.
Major General Rabe also spoke briefly in the video, calling for efforts aimed at restoring peace and suggesting that the kidnappers had expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue. His remarks have generated mixed reactions, particularly as security experts continue to debate whether negotiations with armed groups can produce lasting solutions to the country’s persistent kidnapping crisis.
Reports indicate that the retired officer, his wife and their driver were travelling through Matazu Local Government Area when gunmen intercepted their vehicle near Zakin Baure village. Witnesses said the attackers opened fire, injuring the driver before taking the couple away into the forest. The driver reportedly survived the attack despite sustaining gunshot wounds. Investigations later suggested that a notorious bandit leader known as Kachallah Muhammad may be connected to the abduction and has reportedly established communication with the victims’ family.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the growing insecurity across several states in northwestern Nigeria, where bandit groups continue to carry out kidnappings, attacks on communities and highway ambushes despite ongoing military operations. Security analysts have warned that the increasing sophistication of such groups poses a major challenge to law enforcement agencies and threatens the safety of residents and travellers alike.
As of the latest reports, neither the Katsina State Government nor federal security authorities have publicly responded to the specific demands contained in the video. However, efforts to secure the release of the retired general and his wife are believed to be ongoing. The case has become a symbol of the broader security challenges confronting the nation, especially as even former senior military officers are no longer immune from the threat posed by heavily armed criminal gangs.
With the couple still in captivity, many Nigerians are hoping for a swift and safe resolution to the crisis. The video has not only intensified calls for stronger security measures but has also reignited debate over how authorities should respond to kidnappers who increasingly use hostages as bargaining tools in pursuit of demands beyond ransom payments.
