The kidnappers of a former Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar (retd), and his wife have demanded the release of three detained fighters and the return of livestock allegedly seized during security operations as conditions for the couple’s freedom.
The demands of the terrorists were conveyed in a four-minute video released by the abductors and obtained by Chronicle NG on Saturday.
The video shows the retired military commander and his wife in captivity, days after they were kidnapped in Katsina State.
In the video, the widow of the former defence spokesman, who spoke in Hausa, pleaded with the Katsina State Government, traditional rulers, and community leaders from five local government areas to intervene and facilitate the release of the incarcerated bandits, identified as Sani, Aminu, and Nasiru.
According to her, two of the men were apprehended in Jikamshi and the third in Kano State.
She stated that compliance with the demands will lead to their release.
“Our appeal is for the authorities and community leaders to assist in resolving this matter so that we can regain our freedom,” she said.
The retired general, who appeared briefly in the film, exhorted stakeholders to embrace discussion and constructive participation.
“I appeal for efforts that will promote peace. They have indicated interest in dialogue and peaceful coexistence,” Abubakar said.
It was gathered that a notorious bandit commander, Kachallah Muhammad, who reportedly operates in parts of Katsina State, had contacted the relatives of the retired military officer shortly after the abduction.
The contacts purportedly conveyed demands for the release of jailed associates, rather than a traditional ransom payment.
Abubakar and his wife were taken on May 30 while travelling through Katsina State.
The couple were reportedly driving with their driver along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli Road in the Matazu Local Government Area when armed men ambushed them near Zakin Baure village and led them into the neighbouring forest.
Their driver apparently fled despite suffering gunshot wounds during the incident, and security personnel later collected the victims’ vehicle, a red Peugeot 504, and relocated it to the Matazu Divisional Police headquarters.
The Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli Road has become known for repeating episodes of kidnapping, banditry, and armed robbery, with communities routinely citing worries about security along the route.
At the time of reporting this article, neither the Katsina State Government nor security services had issued an official statement regarding the video or the abductors’ demands.
