One Week After Abduction, Kidnappers List Demands Through Captive Ex-Military Chief and Wife

The kidnappers holding former Nigerian Army spokesman, retired Major General Abubakar Rabe and his wife have outlined conditions for their release, including the freedom of three detained individuals and the return of livestock allegedly seized by authorities.

The demands were conveyed through the abducted couple in a video released on Saturday, nearly one week after they were kidnapped along the Karaduwa-Matazu Road in Katsina State.

The four-minute video, which has since circulated widely on social media platforms, showed the retired senior military officer and his wife speaking from captivity while relaying the requests of their abductors.

In the recording, Rabe’s wife delivered most of the message, appealing to government authorities and community leaders to intervene and facilitate compliance with the demands to secure their freedom.

According to her, the kidnappers are demanding the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru.

She alleged that two of the men were arrested in Jikamshi Katsina State, while the third was apprehended in neighbouring Kano State.

Beyond the release of the three suspects, the abductors also reportedly demanded the return of livestock they claim was confiscated from them.

The retired general’s wife specifically appealed to the Katsina State Government and traditional and community leaders across five local government areas to assist in resolving the situation and securing their safe release.

While speaking briefly in the video, Major General Rabe called for efforts aimed at restoring peace and dialogue.

The retired military officer stated that the abductors had indicated a willingness to pursue peaceful coexistence and discussions, urging relevant stakeholders to explore avenues that could lead to a resolution of the crisis.

The latest development adds a new dimension to the high-profile abduction, which has drawn concern within security circles given Rabe’s previous role as spokesperson of the Nigerian Army and his years of service in the military.

Neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had issued an official response to the demands as of the time of filing this report.

Security experts have, however, repeatedly warned that the growing trend of criminal groups using video recordings of hostages to communicate demands underscores the evolving tactics of kidnappers operating across parts of northern Nigeria.

Authorities are expected to continue efforts to secure the safe release of the retired general and his wife while investigating the circumstances surrounding their abduction.

The incident is one of several kidnapping cases reported in recent months across parts of the North-West, where security forces have intensified operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.