The Katsina State Government says coordinated security operations are ongoing to secure the release of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife, who were abducted by gunmen along the Matazu axis of the state.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango, the government expressed optimism that the couple would soon regain their freedom, noting that rescue efforts by security agencies had reached an advanced stage.
According to the government, preliminary investigations indicate that the abduction was a carefully planned and targeted operation. Authorities said available intelligence suggests the retired military officer and his wife were allegedly placed under surveillance and trailed from Kaduna before being intercepted by their abductors.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has directed security agencies to prioritize the safe rescue of the victims and other persons currently in captivity. The government said security forces are deploying technology-driven surveillance, intelligence gathering, and coordinated field operations to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the victims.
Officials also revealed that collaboration among the military, police, and intelligence agencies has been strengthened as part of efforts to achieve a breakthrough without jeopardizing the safety of those held captive.
Major General Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife were abducted in late May while travelling in Katsina State. Security agencies launched a search-and-rescue operation immediately after the incident.
The state government appealed to residents to provide any useful information that could assist ongoing investigations, while assuring the public that every available resource is being deployed to ensure the safe return of the retired general and his wife. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.