The kidnappers holding retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife have released a video showing the couple in captivity and outlining conditions for their release.
The four-minute video, which surfaced on social media on Saturday, has sparked fresh concerns over the growing insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in Katsina State, where kidnapping for ransom and other forms of banditry have remained major challenges.
Major General Abubakar and his wife were abducted along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. The incident reportedly occurred near Zakin Baure village, an area that has witnessed security threats in recent years.
In the video, the wife of the retired military officer appeared before the camera and relayed the demands made by their captors. According to her, the kidnappers are demanding the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru, whom they claimed were being held by authorities.
The abductors also demanded the return of livestock they alleged had been seized from them during previous security operations.
According to the woman’s account, two of the individuals whose release was being demanded were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third person was arrested in Kano State.
She appealed directly to the Katsina State Government and traditional and community leaders in five local government areas to help facilitate the fulfilment of the kidnappers’ demands in order to secure the release of the couple.
The video did not indicate the exact location where the victims were being held, but both appeared calm while delivering their messages.
The retired general also spoke briefly in the recording. He appealed for efforts aimed at achieving peace and resolving the situation through dialogue.
According to him, the kidnappers had indicated a willingness to engage in discussions and pursue peaceful coexistence.
His remarks have attracted public attention because of his military background and previous role as Director of Defence Information, a position that involved communicating military operations and security matters to the public.
The emergence of the video has once again highlighted the growing challenge of kidnapping in parts of northern Nigeria.
Over the past decade, criminal groups operating across several states in the North-West have increasingly relied on kidnapping as a source of income. Victims have included farmers, students, traditional rulers, religious leaders, business people and government officials.
In some cases, abductors have demanded large sums of money, while in others they have sought the release of detained associates or made other conditions before freeing their captives.
Katsina State has remained one of the states most affected by insecurity in the North-West. The state shares boundaries with Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano and Niger Republic, making some of its rural communities vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.
Security agencies have carried out numerous operations against bandits in the region, targeting camps and hideouts used by criminal groups. Despite these efforts, attacks and kidnappings have continued in some areas, especially along major roads and remote communities.
The abduction of a retired senior military officer has drawn significant attention because it demonstrates that insecurity affects people across different social and professional backgrounds.
Since news of the abduction became public, there have been growing calls for security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the retired general and his wife.
Many residents and community leaders have also expressed concern over the continued threat posed by armed groups operating in parts of the state.
While the kidnappers’ demands have become public through the video, authorities have yet to officially comment on whether negotiations are taking place or whether any action will be taken regarding the requests made by the abductors.
The Nigerian government has consistently maintained that security agencies are committed to tackling kidnapping and banditry through military operations, intelligence gathering and community engagement.
In recent months, troops have recorded successes against armed groups in several parts of the North-West, including the destruction of camps and the elimination of suspected bandit leaders.
However, security analysts argue that alongside military operations, long-term solutions will require stronger community policing, improved intelligence networks, economic development and closer cooperation between local communities and security agencies.
For the family of Major General Abubakar and his wife, the immediate concern remains their safe return.
The release of the video provides the first public indication that the couple is alive since their abduction. While this may offer some relief to relatives and well-wishers, it also underscores the difficult situation facing victims of kidnapping and their families.