Fresh concerns have emerged over the safety of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife after their Kidnappers released a video showing the couple in captivity and outlining conditions for their release.
The four-minute video, which surfaced on Saturday, is the first public proof that the retired military officer and his wife are still alive since they were kidnapped in Katsina State about a week ago.
In the footage, the retired general’s wife appealed to government authorities and community leaders to meet the kidnappers’ demands. According to her, the abductors are seeking the release of three detained associates identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru.
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The kidnappers are also demanding the return of livestock allegedly seized from them by security operatives.
Major General Abubakar, who spoke briefly in the video, urged authorities to explore peaceful means of resolving the crisis, noting that the abductors had expressed interest in dialogue.
The development marks a significant escalation in a case that has attracted national attention because of the victim’s military background.
Abubakar and his wife were abducted while travelling through Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. Armed men reportedly ambushed their vehicle near Zakin Baure village, opened fire and took the couple into a nearby forest. Their driver escaped despite sustaining injuries.
The retired officer served as Director of Defence Information and was one of the most recognisable military spokespersons during his years in service.
Sources familiar with the matter had earlier disclosed that the gang established communication with the family shortly after the abduction and demanded the release of detained associates rather than a conventional ransom payment.
The emergence of the captivity video has heightened anxiety among relatives, colleagues and security stakeholders, many of whom have called for intensified efforts to secure the couple’s freedom.
The incident has also renewed concerns over persistent banditry and kidnapping activities in parts of northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups continue to target travellers and communities despite ongoing security operations.
Security experts have long warned that prisoner exchanges involving armed groups could encourage additional kidnappings. Others argue that authorities must weigh security implications against the immediate need to save lives.
As of Saturday, authorities had yet to issue an official response to the latest video, while efforts to secure the release of the retired general and his wife continue.
