Bandits demand release of three men, seized livestock for freedom of retired General

Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife have appeared in a video released by their abductors, appealing for intervention to secure their freedom following their kidnapping in Katsina State.

The couple were reportedly abducted along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, near Zakin Baure village.

In a four-minute video that surfaced on social media on Saturday, the wife of the retired military officer conveyed the demands of their captors, who are seeking the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru.

According to her, the abductors claimed that two of the men were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was apprehended in Kano.

The kidnappers also demanded the return of livestock they alleged had been seized from them.

She called on the Katsina State Government and traditional and community leaders across five local government areas to help facilitate compliance with the demands in order to secure their release.

The retired general, who spoke briefly in the video, urged efforts toward peace and reconciliation.

He stated that the abductors had expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue and pursue peaceful coexistence.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Kachallah Muhammad, a notorious bandit leader, who operates in parts of Katsina State, has established communication with the family of the retired general regarding the abduction.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement regarding the video or the demands made by the abductors.

The circumstances surrounding the proposed negotiations and the status of the individuals whose release was demanded remain unclear.

Authorities have also not confirmed whether any contact has been established with the kidnappers or if efforts are underway to secure the couple’s freedom.