Bandits Abduct 11 Passengers on Katsina Highway

Fresh fears over Nigeria’s deepening security crisis heightened on Saturday after the Katsina State Police Command disclosed that armed bandits launched another attack on the Katsina-Kankara highway, abducting 11 passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle, even as the Defence Headquarters confirmed that retired Major General Rabe Abubakar had died while in the custody of terrorists following his abduction.

In a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed that the latest attack occurred on Thursday at about 2:30 p.m. at Tashar Kanya village in Kankara Local Government Area when heavily armed bandits blocked the Katsina-Kankara highway and intercepted a commercial Volkswagen Golf conveying passengers from Dandume to Katsina.

According to Sadiq-Aliyu, the attackers forcefully stopped the vehicle and abducted all 11 occupants before fleeing toward a nearby forest.

He said police operatives immediately swung into action after receiving a distress call, with the Divisional Police Officer in Kankara mobilising tactical operatives, including personnel of the Violent Crime Rescue Unit, to the scene.

“The operatives tactically engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel. Owing to the superior firepower and strategic maneuvers of the police team, the hoodlums were forced to abandon their mission and flee into the bush,” Sadiq-Aliyu said.

He added that following a search-and-rescue operation, security operatives successfully rescued nine of the abducted victims unharmed, while efforts were ongoing to locate and secure the release of the remaining two passengers.

Police authorities also confirmed that a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing suspects.

Reacting to the successful rescue operation, Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, praised the courage and professionalism displayed by officers involved in the operation.

He reassured residents that the command remained fully committed to tackling criminal activities across the state and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely intelligence.

Meanwhile, in a separate development that further cast a shadow over the nation’s security situation, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while being held captive after his abduction by terrorists.

Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said the Armed Forces of Nigeria deliberately withheld information regarding the retired general’s abduction to avoid jeopardising rescue operations mounted by the military and other security agencies.

“The DHQ regrets to announce the passing of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, who tragically lost his life in captivity following his abduction,” Uba said in a statement on Saturday.

He disclosed that every available operational resource had been deployed by the armed forces in an effort to secure the safe release of the former senior military officer before his eventual death.

The Defence Headquarters described the late Abubakar as a distinguished and highly respected officer who served Nigeria with honour, professionalism, and patriotism throughout his military career.

According to the military, the deceased served in several strategic appointments, including as spokesman for various military formations before later becoming Director of Defence Information, where he played a major role in communicating military operations and projecting the image of the armed forces.

The statement further noted that the retired general made significant contributions to counter-insurgency operations, military personnel development, and broader national security initiatives during his years of service.

“His commitment to duty and the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Uba added.

The military said the tragic development had further strengthened its determination to intensify nationwide operations against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups threatening peace and national security.

“The Armed Forces remain committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting citizens, and ensuring that those responsible for acts of terrorism are brought to justice. We will not relent until peace and security are restored across the country,” the Defence Headquarters said..