Suspected armed bandits have abducted a former Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), and his wife in Katsina State, in what security sources described as a daring attack along a major route in the state.

PRNigeria gathered that the retired senior military officer and his wife were travelling through Matazu Local Government Area on Saturday morning when their vehicle was ambushed by heavily armed gunmen.

A security source familiar with the incident disclosed that the attackers intercepted the couple’s vehicle and whisked them away to an unknown destination.

According to the source, the driver of the vehicle managed to escape despite sustaining a gunshot wound during the attack.

“The former Director of Defence Information and his wife were travelling in a red Peugeot 504 saloon car when they were waylaid by armed men along the route. The driver escaped with gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical attention,” the source said.

The source added that relevant security agencies had been alerted and that coordinated efforts were underway to secure the safe rescue of the victims.

“Security forces have already activated search-and-rescue operations, while intelligence assets have been deployed to track the abductors and ensure the victims’ safe return,” the source added.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from military authorities and security agencies were ongoing as of the time of filing this report.

The abduction adds to growing concerns over persistent insecurity in parts of Katsina State, despite sustained military operations targeting criminal groups across the North-West region.

The incident also recalls previous attacks involving military and security personnel in the state. In recent years, several serving and retired security officers have either been targeted by bandits or fallen victim to kidnappings and ambushes along major highways linking Katsina to neighbouring states.

PRNigeria reports that criminal groups operating in the region increasingly view high-profile individuals, including military officers, as lucrative targets.

Major General Rabe Abubakar, who served as Director of Defence Information, was one of the military’s most prominent spokespersons and played a key role in communicating the Armed Forces’ counterinsurgency and national security operations during his years in service.

The latest abduction is expected to intensify calls for enhanced security measures on major highways and rural communities in Katsina State, where residents continue to grapple with the threats of banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes. (By PRNigeria)