Efforts underway to secure release of abducted former Major General Abubakar, confirms Defence Headquarters

In the wake of the abduction of Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife in Katsina State's Matazu Local Government Area on Saturday, the defence headquarters has initiated the deployment of intelligence assets to facilitate a rescue operation, with troops working tirelessly around the clock to secure the release of the senior officer.

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A senior officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that a concerted effort is underway to rescue Major General Abubakar, stating that "we are working round the clock to rescue him," but declined to provide further details regarding the ongoing operation.

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Commissioner of Police CP Ali Umar Fage, who oversees the Katsina State command, visited the scene of the abduction and bolstered the search and rescue efforts by deploying additional personnel and assets to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and apprehend those responsible.

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A police statement issued to confirm the incident reported that on May 30, 2026, at approximately 11:00 hrs, suspected armed bandits armed with dangerous weapons attacked a red Peugeot 406 saloon car along the Karaduwa-Matazu Road in Matazu LGA.

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The statement, signed by DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, noted that the driver, Abdullahi Sa’id, sustained a gunshot injury to his right arm, while two occupants, Abdullahi Batsari and Amina Abdullahi, were abducted before security forces arrived at the scene.

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According to the police statement, upon receiving the report, the DPO Matazu, accompanied by the VCRU, responded swiftly to secure the scene and evacuate the injured driver for medical treatment, with further developments to be communicated as necessary.

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Initial reports on Saturday indicated that the abduction occurred along the Katsina–Matazu road as the former senior military officer was travelling with his wife to attend the Eid-El-Kabir celebration in Abuja, and their vehicle was stopped by armed men in Matazu Local Government Area.

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Major General Abubakar, who played a pivotal role in defence communication during his tenure as military spokesperson, and his wife were taken away to an unknown location, while their driver escaped with a bullet injury.

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The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges in Nigeria, despite ongoing military efforts to combat armed criminal groups, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and action to address these concerns.