The Katsina State government has raised hopes for the release of a former director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Rabe Abubakar (rtd), and his wife, following renewed efforts to secure their freedom.
The government, in a statement issued in Katsina on Saturday by the commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Bala Salisu-Zango, said coordinated security operations have reached an advanced stage, raising optimism that the captives would soon regain their freedom.
Recall that Abubakar and his wife were abducted by suspected bandits along the Matazu local government area axis.
Salisu-Zango said Governor Dikko Radda had immediately directed all relevant security agencies to prioritise the safe rescue of the couple and other victims held by criminal groups.
He revealed that preliminary investigations showed the abduction was a deliberate, targeted operation.
According to him, evidence gathered so far suggests the retired general and his wife were monitored and trailed from Kaduna, where they reportedly began their journey before the incident.
“The targeted nature of the crime points to a disturbing shift in the tactics of criminal elements operating in the region. The precision with which the operation was carried out indicates the involvement of organised criminal networks and this insight is guiding ongoing rescue efforts,” he added.
The commissioner described the attack as an affront not only to retired servicemen who had devoted their lives to national service but also to all law-abiding citizens.
He reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring that those behind the abduction were identified and brought to justice.
“We are dealing with a targeted operation, which changes the dynamics of our response. The state is working around the clock, deploying technology, intelligence gathering and coordinated field operations to close in on the abductors.
“Our primary objective remains the safe return of the general, his wife, and others in similar situations,” he said.
Salisu-Zango said the state government had strengthened collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Police and other security and intelligence agencies to ensure a breakthrough without jeopardising the victims’ safety.
He appealed to members of the public to provide any useful information on suspicious movements or activities linked to the incident, saying such intelligence could help dismantle the criminal network responsible.
He urged the family of the retired general and the public to remain calm, assuring them that every available resource was being deployed to secure the captives’ release.
