Bandits Demand Fighter Release for Ex-Army Spokesman's Wife

Bandits have demanded the release of three detained fighters in exchange for the freedom of the wife of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former director of defense information. The abduction occurred on May 30 while the couple was traveling in Katsina State.

A video was released on Saturday showing Abubakar's wife appealing to the Katsina State government and traditional rulers for intervention. In the video, she urged stakeholders to embrace dialogue for peace.

The couple was ambushed by armed men near Zakin Baur Village, and the driver managed to escape despite sustaining gunshot injuries. The bandits, identified as Sani Aminu Nasiru and another man arrested in Jikamshi, have demanded the release of their associates instead of a conventional ransom.

The incident has raised security concerns in the region, which has seen a rise in kidnapping and armed robbery.