TARGETED ABDUCTION OF GENERAL RABE ABUBAKAR (RTD), WIFE, OTHERS SET FOR POSITIVE BREAKTHROUGH — KATSINA GOVT

Bala Salisu Zango, PhD. made this disclosure in a statement dated June 6, 2026, made available to newsmen to provide an update to the public regarding the abduction.

“The Government is pleased to announce that, coordinated efforts are reaching an advanced stage, and there is high optimism that the retired General and his wife will soon gain freedom.

“Following the unfortunate coordinated abduction of the General and his wife along the Matazu axis, Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON immediately directed all relevant security apparatuses to prioritize their safe return and many others at the bandits den.

“Preliminary investigations into the abduction of the retired Major General and his wife have revealed that the incident was a deliberate and targeted kidnapping

“Evidence gathered so far suggests that the veteran military officer and his spouse were specifically monitored and trailed right from Kaduna, their point of departure.

“This targeted nature of the crime underscores a worrying shift in the tactics used by criminal elements operating within the region.

“The State Government notes that the precision of the abduction indicates the involvement of organized criminal groups.

“This insight is currently guiding the strategy of the security forces to ensure a focused and effective rescue mission.

“The Katsina State Government reaffirms that such targeted attacks on high-profile citizens and retired servicemen who have dedicated their lives to the nation and all other citizens are an affront to the state.

The administration remains committed to ensuring that those who orchestrated this plan are brought to justice.

“We are dealing with a targeted operation, which changes the dynamics of our response,”

“The state is working around the clock, utilizing both technology and ground intelligence to close in on the abductors. Our primary goal remains the safe return of the General, his wife and other in similar situation.”

“The Katsina State Government appeals to the public for any information regarding suspicious movements or activities that preceded the event, as such details are crucial in dismantling the network responsible for this targeted hit.

“The state government has intensified its collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Police, and all other security intelligence networks to ensure a breakthrough without compromising the safety of the victims.

“Security forces have maintained a sustained presence and surveillance in the area where the incident occurred.

“The state is exploring all necessary channels to facilitate a swift and safe release, emphasizing that the protection of public lives and properties remains the administration’s top priority.

“The Katsina State Government remains resolute in its stance against banditry and is working tirelessly to ensure that the General, his wife, and others in similar situations are reunited with their families.

“The Government urges the family of Major General Rabe Abubakar and the general public to remain calm and steadfast, as every resource is being deployed to bring the retired General, his wife and all other captives home safely.

“We are confident that the ongoing high-level operations will yield a positive result very shortly.

“Further updates will be provided as the situation progresses.