The Katsina State Government has expressed optimism that former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd), and his wife will soon regain their freedom following intensified security operations aimed at securing their release.
The government disclosed that coordinated efforts involving security agencies and intelligence networks have reached an advanced stage, raising hopes for the safe rescue of the retired military officer, his wife and other victims currently held by bandits.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango, the government said Governor Dikko Umaru Radda immediately directed relevant security agencies to prioritise the rescue of the couple after they were abducted along the Matazu axis of Katsina State.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that the abduction was a deliberate and targeted operation.
The government said available evidence indicated that the retired Major General and his wife were allegedly monitored and trailed from Kaduna, where they began their journey, before being kidnapped.
“The targeted nature of the crime underscores a worrying shift in the tactics used by criminal elements operating within the region,” the statement said.
It added that the precision with which the abduction was carried out suggested the involvement of an organised criminal network, a development that is helping security agencies refine their rescue strategy.
The state government described the attack as an affront to retired servicemen and other citizens who have dedicated their lives to the service of the nation.
“We are dealing with a targeted operation, which changes the dynamics of our response,” the statement quoted government officials as saying.
“The state is working around the clock, utilising both technology and ground intelligence to close in on the abductors. Our primary goal remains the safe return of the General, his wife and others in similar situations.”
The government said it had strengthened collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and other intelligence agencies to achieve a breakthrough without jeopardising the safety of the victims.
It also disclosed that security operatives had maintained sustained surveillance and presence in the area where the incident occurred, while multiple channels were being explored to facilitate the safe release of the captives.
The government appealed to members of the public to provide any useful information on suspicious movements or activities linked to the abduction, noting that such intelligence could help dismantle the criminal network responsible.
Reaffirming its commitment to tackling banditry and kidnapping, the Katsina State Government urged the family of Major General Abubakar and the public to remain calm, assuring them that all available resources were being deployed to secure the release of the retired officer, his wife and other abductees.
The government expressed confidence that the ongoing high-level operations would soon yield positive results and promised to provide further updates as developments unfold.
