Gunmen abduct ex-defence spokesman Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, wife in Katsina
By: Abudu Olalekan
Out near Katsina State, armed men took a retired defence spokesman along with his wife. Troops confirm they’re moving fast to find them. This is the latest on the situation.
A man who used to speak for Nigeria’s armed forces was taken by armed men. His wife too. The incident happened during the day, it is said. He had once held the role of Director of Defence Information.
Out of nowhere, gunfire cracked near Matazu as Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar – now retired – was heading into Katsina State. Hooded figures rushed from cover, dragging both him and his wife from the car. The man behind the wheel escaped by inches, shaking but standing. Moments like that leave marks no uniform can hide. A bullet wound got him out – proof enough of the chaos that unfolded. The moment says more than any words could.
Heavy silence followed the call. A senior defense official spoke to Reportersroom on Saturday, confirming the kidnapping without delay. Not one phrase was softened. Rescue operations will follow, after confirmation that both him and his spouse were taken. Picture the weight behind each syllable. Think how it lands differently knowing who he is – a former Major General, not just any civilian. A man once stood guard for his country through long years. Today, it is that country’s turn to stand for him.
Out near Matazu, bits of news began showing up on a site for former soldiers. This is how it spread across the web at first. A note moving between ex-officers carried dark details. The abduction took place along the road leading into Matazu, according to the message. There was mention of a red Peugeot 406 left behind – belonging to the high-ranking officer. Found parked within the grounds of the Nigeria Police Force’s local outpost. Not a soul inside. Still waiting.
Still, the note asked folks to hand things over to officials when needed. That phrasing, on second thought, pushes you to act while also whispering that confusion is still in charge.
Here’s what stings. Up to now, security agencies have stayed quiet. Not one word has come out. Zero speeches, no written notes, just hushed comments leaking through back channels. When someone once so high up vanishes into chaos, you’d expect noise instead get silence stretching like cold pavement.
These days, trouble keeps hitting Katsina State like waves. Violence, raids, people taken by force – life in some areas runs on fear now. In Matazu LGA, such events aren’t new at all. Yet dragging away a former top army officer? That shifts something. Completely another tier. Sends a signal. Not the kind you want.
Picture this. When someone who spoke for Nigeria’s military cannot stay safe on a highway at home, where does that leave everyone else? Regular people do not carry ranks or know commanders who might raise an alarm. They disappear without noise. Not one post shows up anywhere.
