Suspected bandits on Saturday abducted Rabe Abubakar, a retired major-general and former director of defence information, and his wife in Katsina state.
The couple was travelling through Katsina when gunmen reportedly ambushed their vehicle and whisked them away to an undisclosed location.
Michael Onoja, the director of defence media operations of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), told the BBC that efforts are underway to rescue the couple and apprehend those responsible for their abduction.
The Katsina police command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of this report.
Katsina remains one of the states most affected by banditry and kidnapping, despite repeated security operations aimed at restoring peace and stability.
In March, three soldiers were killed by bandits during a gun battle in Danmusa LGA of the state.
Abubakar’s abduction is the latest involving a retired senior military officer in the state.
In February 2025, Maharazu Tsiga, a retired major general and former director-general of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was kidnapped in Bakori LGA of Katsina.
He spent 56 days in captivity before regaining his freedom.
