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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Katsina State Government has assured that it was working towards the successful rescue of the abducted former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd) and his wife.
In a statement by the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Dr Bala Salisu Zango, the government announced that coordinated efforts were reaching an advanced stage, expressing optimism that the retired General and his wife would soon regain their freedom.
Part of the statement read: “Following the unfortunate coordinated abduction of the General and his wife along the Matazu axis, Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, immediately directed all relevant security apparatuses to prioritise their safe return and many others at the bandits’ den.
“Preliminary investigations into the abduction of the retired Major General and his wife have revealed that the incident was a deliberate and targeted kidnapping.
“Evidence gathered so far suggests that the veteran military officer and his spouse were specifically monitored and trailed right from Kaduna, their point of departure.
“This targeted nature of the crime underscores a worrying shift in the tactics used by criminal elements operating within the region.
“The State Government notes that the precision of the abduction indicates the involvement of organised criminal groups.
“This insight is currently guiding the strategy of the security forces to ensure a focused and effective rescue mission.
“The Katsina State Government reaffirms that such targeted attacks on high-profile citizens and retired servicemen who have dedicated their lives to the nation and all other citizens are an affront to the state.
“The administration remains committ in on the abductors. Our primary goal remains the safe return of the General, his wife and others in similar situations.”
The Katsina State Government appealed to the public for any information regarding suspicious movements or activities that preceded the event, as such details are crucial in dismantling the network responsible for the targeted hit.
The statement noted that the government had intensified its collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Police and all other security intelligence networks to ensure a breakthrough without compromising the safety of the victims.
“Security forces have maintained a sustained presence and surveillance in the area where the incident occurred. The state is exploring all necessary channels to facilitate a swift and safe release, emphasising that the protection of public lives and properties remains the administration’s top priority.
“The Katsina State Government remains resolute in its stance against banditry and is working tirelessly to ensure that the General, his wife and others in similar situations are reunited with their families.
“The Government urges the family of Major General Rabe Abubakar and the general public to remain calm and steadfast, as every resource is being deployed to bring the retired General, his wife and all other captives home safely.
“We are confident that the ongoing high-level operations will yield a positive result very shortly,” the statement added.
