The Katsina State Government has expressed confidence that retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife could soon regain their freedom as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the couple from captivity.
The optimism comes barely a week after the retired military officer and his wife were abducted by armed men along the Matazu axis of Katsina State while travelling to the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Bala Salisu Zango, the government disclosed that coordinated operations involving multiple security agencies had reached an advanced stage.
According to the statement, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda directed all relevant security institutions to prioritise the safe rescue of the retired general, his wife and other victims of criminal gangs operating in the state.
The government of Katsina revealed that preliminary investigations suggested the abduction was not a random attack but a carefully planned operation.
Officials said evidence indicated that the couple may have been monitored and trailed from Kaduna before the attack occurred, suggesting the involvement of organised criminal networks.
Authorities noted that intelligence gathering and technological surveillance were being deployed to track the abductors and identify individuals connected to the operation.
The Katsina Government said security agencies were working round the clock and combining technology with ground intelligence to secure a breakthrough without endangering the lives of the victims.
The latest update comes amid growing public concern following reports that the abductors had established communication with the family of the retired officer and allegedly demanded the release of detained associates.
The case has attracted national attention because of Abubakar’s military background. As a former Director of Defence Information, he was one of the most prominent public faces of the Nigerian military during his years in service.
The abduction has also renewed concerns about the security situation across parts of northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups continue to target travellers, communities and high-profile individuals.
Security analysts have argued that the incident demonstrates the need for stronger intelligence coordination and improved protection of vulnerable routes frequently used by commuters.
The Katsina State Government said collaboration among the Nigerian Army, Police, intelligence agencies and other security stakeholders had been strengthened to ensure a positive outcome.
Authorities appealed to residents to provide any useful information that could assist investigations and help dismantle the criminal network behind the attack.
While officials have declined to disclose operational details, they insist significant progress has been made and expressed confidence that ongoing high-level operations would soon lead to the safe return of the retired general and his wife.
