The Katsina State Government is intensifying efforts to secure the release of former Director of Defence Information, retired Major-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, his wife and other kidnapped victims.
The government assured in a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Zango that the victims would soon regain freedom.
It added that Governor Dikko Radda directed security agencies to prioritise the safe rescue of the retired military officer, his wife and other captives immediately after their abduction along the Matazu axis of the state.
The government said preliminary investigations indicated that the abduction was a deliberate and targeted operation.
“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 statement said.
The government noted that the precision of the operation suggested the involvement of organised criminal groups and said the findings were guiding ongoing rescue efforts.
It described the abduction of the retired general, his wife and other victims as an affront to the state, adding that those responsible would be brought to justice.
“We are dealing with a targeted operation, which changes the dynamics of our response.
“The state is working around the clock, utilising both technology and ground intelligence to close in on the abductors. Our primary goal remains the safe return of the General, his wife and others in similar situations,” the statement added.
The government appealed to residents to provide any information regarding suspicious movements or activities that may have preceded the incident, saying such details could assist security agencies in dismantling the network behind the abduction.
It also said collaboration had been intensified with the Nigerian Army, the police and other intelligence agencies to ensure a breakthrough without compromising the safety of the victims.
