Fresh concerns have emerged over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis after armed bandits reportedly demanded the release of detained fighters as a condition for freeing former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), and his wife, who were abducted in Katsina State.
According to a report by Sunday PUNCH, the kidnappers conveyed their demands through a four-minute video showing the retired military officer and his wife in captivity days after their abduction. The armed group reportedly demanded the release of three detained fighters identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru, as well as the return of livestock allegedly seized during security operations.
In the video obtained by Sunday PUNCH, Abubakar’s wife appealed to the Katsina State Government, traditional rulers and community leaders to intervene and facilitate the release of the detained fighters. She reportedly stated that compliance with the demands would pave the way for their freedom.
The retired general also appeared in the footage. According to PUNCH, he urged stakeholders to pursue peaceful engagement, stating: “I appeal for efforts that will promote peace. They have indicated interest in dialogue and peaceful coexistence.”
Sunday PUNCH further reported that a notorious bandit commander, Kachallah Muhammad, allegedly contacted relatives of the retired military officer shortly after the abduction and communicated demands centred on the release of detained associates rather than the payment of a conventional ransom.
Abubakar and his wife were reportedly kidnapped on May 30 while travelling along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. Armed men allegedly ambushed their vehicle near Zakin Baure village and took the couple into a nearby forest. Their driver reportedly escaped despite sustaining gunshot injuries during the attack.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the growing influence of armed groups in parts of northern Nigeria, where kidnappings, banditry and violent attacks continue despite repeated military operations and government assurances. Security analysts warn that the latest demand raises troubling questions about the operational confidence of criminal groups and the broader challenge of restoring security across affected regions.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had issued an official response to the video or the demands made by the kidnappers.
