Retired Major General Abubakar Rabe and his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, have appealed to government authorities and community leaders to help secure their release after spending one week in captivity following their abduction in Katsina State.
The appeal was made in a video reportedly released by their abductors and circulated on social media on Saturday.
In the footage, the couple appeared to speak on behalf of their captors, who allegedly demanded the release of three detained individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru, as well as the return of livestock said to have been confiscated from them.
Speaking in the video, Hajiya Amina called on the Katsina State Government and community leaders to intervene.
“We are appealing to the Katsina State Government and leaders of the affected local government areas to help address these demands so that we can regain our freedom,” she said.
The retired military officer also made a brief appeal, urging efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution.
“The people holding us have expressed a desire for peaceful coexistence. I appeal to all concerned to work towards peace and ensure that this matter is resolved amicably,” he stated.
Notably, no monetary ransom demand was mentioned in the video.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement regarding the video or the demands reportedly made by the abductors.
Major General Rabe, his wife and their driver, Abdullahi Sa’idu, were abducted last Saturday while travelling to Katsina.
According to reports, their vehicle was ambushed near Zakin Baure village along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area.
Witnesses said armed men suspected to be bandits emerged from hiding, blocked the road and opened fire on the vehicle, forcing it to stop.
The driver was reportedly shot in the hand during the attack but was later spared by the attackers.
Sources familiar with the incident alleged that a notorious bandit leader identified as Kachallah Muhammad has since established contact with the family of the retired general.
The incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Katsina State, where kidnappings, attacks on travellers and assaults on rural communities continue to pose significant security challenges.
Authorities are yet to provide further updates on ongoing efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.
A disturbing video released by terrorists has surfaced online, allegedly showing a retired Army General and his wife who were kidnapped along the Matazu Highway in Katsina State 💔🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/0U5X9K1Yd8
— NaijaWide Media (@Naijawide01) June 6, 2026
