Armed bandits holding retired Major General and former Director of Defence Information, Rabe Abubakar, and his wife have demanded the release of three detained associates as a condition for freeing the couple. The kidnappers also requested the return of livestock allegedly seized from them.
The demands were conveyed in a video released by the abductors, showing the retired army officer and his wife in captivity. In the footage, the couple appealed to authorities and community leaders in Katsina State to intervene and help secure their release.
According to reports, the kidnappers identified the detained individuals as Sani, Aminu, and Nasiru, insisting they must be released before any negotiations can proceed. The group is also reportedly seeking the return of cattle and sheep confiscated during previous security operations.
Major General Abubakar and his wife were abducted last week along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Katsina State. Security agencies have not publicly confirmed whether negotiations are underway.
The case highlights the growing trend of armed groups demanding prisoner exchanges rather than cash ransom in some kidnapping incidents across northern Nigeria.
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