JUST-IN: Ex-DHQ Spokesman Kidnapped In Katsina

The former Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), has been kidnapped alongside his wife in Katsina State.

A one-time federal lawmaker, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who represented Ekiti Central Senatorial District, disclosed the development on his verified Facebook page on Saturday afternoon, stating that the information was relayed to him by retired Brigadier General Sagir Musa.

According to the message, the retired senior military officer and his wife were abducted in Matazu local government area of the State while travelling to their native Katsina town.

The post read, “Maj Gen R Abubakar former Dir Def Info was kidnapped together with his wife on his way to Katsina today. He was kidnapped along Matazu LGA of KTS. His driver escaped with gunshot injury. The Snr offr Peugeot 504 Red in color is parked at Matazu Div NPF. Plse pass to authorities as appropriate. From Brig Gen Sagir Musa rtd!!”

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities in Katsina State and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) were yet to issue an official statement confirming the incident.

LEADERSHIP reports that Major General Rabe Abubakar is a former military spokesman who served as Director of Defence Information, the media and public affairs arm of the Defence Headquarters. He was appointed Defence spokesman in August 2015 following the retirement of Major General Chris Olukolade before handing power ver in 2017.

The reported abduction came amid persistent security concerns in Nigeria where armed banditry and kidnapping-for-ransom have remained major challenges despite ongoing security operations.