The first video showing former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari (retd), and his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, since their abduction in Katsina State has surfaced online.
In the footage, which is now circulating on social media, the retired senior military officer and his wife appear to be in captivity several days after they were kidnapped by armed men along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The video has heightened concern among family members, friends and well-wishers, who have been anxiously awaiting information about the couple’s condition since news of their abduction broke last weekend.
Major General Batsari and his wife were reportedly travelling to Katsina alongside their driver on Saturday when gunmen ambushed their vehicle near Zakin Baure village.
Witnesses said the attackers blocked the road, opened fire and forced the vehicle to stop before taking the couple into a nearby forest.
Their driver, identified as Abdullahi Sa’idu, was reportedly shot in the hand during the attack but escaped with his life and later received medical treatment.
Security operatives subsequently recovered the abandoned vehicle and launched efforts to locate the victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The kidnapping generated widespread attention across the country, particularly because of Batsari’s distinguished military career, which included serving as Director of Defence Information.
The incident also renewed concerns about the persistent insecurity along several highways in Katsina State and other parts of the North-West.
Although the identities of the kidnappers have not been officially confirmed, local sources have linked the abduction to criminal groups operating within the area.
Other residents, however, believe the attackers may have acted opportunistically and were unaware that one of their captives was a retired senior military officer.
As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official statement regarding the video. Security agencies are continuing rescue efforts, while family members have appealed for the safe release of the retired general and his wife.
The emergence of the footage marks the first public sighting of the couple since their abduction and is likely to intensify calls for urgent action to secure their freedom.
See the video here.
