By Our Correspondent

National News – Former Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar (retd.), and his wife have been abducted by gunmen in Katsina State, sparking a rescue operation by security agencies.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday while the retired military officer and his wife were travelling to Katsina.

A senior military source confirmed the development, stating that efforts had already commenced to secure the safe release of the couple.

According to the source, the military received reports of the kidnapping and is coordinating actions aimed at rescuing the victims.

Information shared among military veterans indicated that the abduction took place along the Matazu Local Government Area axis of Katsina State.

The report stated that the attackers intercepted the vehicle carrying the former defence spokesman and his wife before taking them away to an unknown destination.

The message further revealed that the couple’s driver managed to escape despite sustaining a gunshot injury during the attack.

Their vehicle, a red Peugeot 406, was later found and reportedly parked at the Matazu Division of the Nigeria Police Force.

The kidnapping of the retired general has raised fresh concerns over insecurity and the persistent threat of armed attacks on major highways in parts of northern Nigeria.

Security experts have repeatedly called for stronger intelligence gathering and enhanced patrols to curb the activities of criminal groups operating in vulnerable areas.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not released an official statement detailing the circumstances of the incident or the progress of rescue efforts.

However, military authorities have assured that necessary measures are being taken to locate the victims and ensure their safe return.

The abduction highlights ongoing security challenges in Katsina State, where incidents of kidnapping and banditry continue to pose serious risks to residents and travellers despite sustained security operations.