Katsina State Government intensifies efforts to rescue kidnapped General Rabe Abubakar and wife
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Katsina State Government announced advanced efforts to secure the release of former Director of Defence Information, retired Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, his wife, and other kidnapped victims, expressing optimism for their swift freedom. Governor Dikko Radda directed security agencies to prioritize their rescue following their abduction along the Matazu axis. Preliminary investigations suggest the abduction was a deliberate and targeted operation, with evidence indicating the couple was monitored from Kaduna. This targeted nature points to a worrying shift in criminal tactics and the involvement of organized criminal groups, guiding ongoing rescue efforts. The government views the abduction as an affront to the state and is working to bring those responsible to justice, utilizing technology and ground intelligence. Collaboration with the Nigerian Army, police, and other intelligence agencies has been intensified. The abductors reportedly demanded the release of three detained fighters and the return of seized livestock in exchange for the couple's freedom, as conveyed in a video where General Abubakar's wife appealed for intervention. The couple was ambushed while traveling with their driver, who escaped with injuries. The Katsina State Government assures the public and the family that all resources are being deployed for their safe return and is confident of a positive outcome from ongoing high-level operations.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West Zone D, has criticized Ladoke Akintola University of Technology LAUTECH for suspending students involved in a peaceful protest. The protest concerned the relocation of the Anatomy and Physiology Departments from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences. NANS, in a statement signed by Public Relations Officer Olugbemi Timothy, General Secretary Ojetola Babatunde, and Coordinator Adeyemo Josiah, stated that while it does not condone law and order breakdown, it finds it unfair that students raising legitimate concerns are being punished instead of engaged constructively. The association lamented that the institution chose a punitive path rather than addressing the underlying issues. NANS views the four-semester suspensions as excessive and inconsistent with fair hearing principles. The association also highlighted the prolonged suspension of the Students’ Union Government in LAUTECH, which it believes has widened the communication gap between management and students. NANS demands an immediate review and reversal of the suspensions, open dialogue between the university management and students, and a clear roadmap for restoring the Students' Union Government. To demonstrate its commitment, NANS South-West plans to lead a delegation to LAUTECH on Monday, June 8, 2026, for a peaceful protest and to engage with university management and stakeholders.
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