JUST IN: Ex-Defence spokesman Rabe Abubakar, wife kidnapped in Katsina

Suspected bandits have abducted a former Director of Defence Information, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, and his wife along the Matazu Road in Katsina State.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday morning when the retired senior military officer and his wife were travelling in a red Peugeot 504 saloon car. According to security sources, the couple was ambushed by armed men who intercepted their vehicle and took them to an undisclosed location.

A source disclosed that the driver of the vehicle escaped during the attack despite sustaining gunshot injuries. He is currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.

“The former Director of Defence Information and his wife were waylaid by armed men on the route. The driver escaped with gunshot injuries and is receiving medical attention,” the source said.

Security agencies have reportedly launched search-and-rescue operations and deployed intelligence assets to track down the abductors and secure the release of the victims. However, official confirmation from military authorities was still being awaited as of the time of filing this report.

Major General Abubakar served as Director of Defence Information and was one of the most prominent spokespersons of the Nigerian military during the campaign against Boko Haram insurgents.