Nigeria: Gunmen abduct ex-defence spokesman, wife

The military has commenced efforts to secure the release of former Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar (retd.), and his wife, who were abducted by gunmen in Katsina State.

A top military source confirmed the development to our correspondent on Saturday, saying efforts were underway to rescue the retired senior officer and his wife.

“We have received the sad news of his abduction and that of his wife, and we will act accordingly to ensure he and his wife are rescued,” the source said.

According to information circulated on a military veterans’ platform, the former defence spokesman and his wife were kidnapped while travelling to Katsina State.

The message read: “Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, was kidnapped together with his wife on his way to Katsina today. He was kidnapped along Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

“His driver escaped with a gunshot injury. The senior officer’s Peugeot 406, red in colour, is parked at Matazu Division of the Nigeria Police Force. Please pass to authorities as appropriate.”

Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.