Bandits have released a video showing abducted former Nigerian Army spokesperson, Rabe Abubakar, and his wife, following their reported kidnapping.

The video was shared on Saturday in a post on X by journalist Bakatsine, who monitors insecurity in northwestern Nigeria.

In the post accompanying the video, concern was expressed over the abductors’ reported demands, particularly a call for the release of detained associates as part of negotiations for the victims’ freedom.

The post also raised concerns that meeting such demands could encourage a cycle of abductions and further insecurity if authorities proceed with prisoner exchanges.

He wrote: “This is the video released by bandits of former Nigerian Army spokesperson Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife following their abduction.

“We hope for their safe and swift release. However, the abductors demands are equally alarming, particularly their reported call for the release of detained associates.

“If authorities agree to such exchanges, are we not reinforcing a cycle that could embolden bandits and endanger even more communities across the country in the long term?

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The Nigerian Army has disclosed that troops from the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, stationed at Forward Operating Base, FOB, Karim Lamido, apprehended five suspected armed criminals on June 4, 2026, following a distress call regarding an attack by criminal elements on communities within the Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, it was reported that the troops promptly mobilized and proceeded to the location.

Upon their arrival, they encountered gunfire from unidentified assailants and responded with superior firepower, compelling the attackers to disperse in various directions. The troops then pursued the fleeing suspects and successfully captured five individuals.

The items seized from the suspects included two motorcycles, daggers, machetes, various charms, gunpowder, and five mobile phones.

In response to this incident, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, the Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, praised the professionalism, bravery, and valor exhibited by the troops during the operation.

He reiterated the Chief of Army Staff’s directive for all personnel to remain vigilant, continue efforts to eliminate criminal elements, and restrict their freedom of action within the area of responsibility.

He also assured the residents of Taraba State of the Brigade’s steadfast commitment to pursuing criminal elements wherever they may be hiding and to maintaining continuous pressure on all threats to peace and security until normalcy is completely restored across the state.

Bandits have reportedly demanded N40 million from farmers across several communities in Bena, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, before allowing them access to their farmlands for the commencement of this year’s farming season.

The development was disclosed on Saturday by security analyst and crisis journalist, Bakastine, via a post on his X handle, where he raised concerns over the continued vulnerability of rural communities in the state.

The demand has sparked panic among residents, forcing some families to abandon their communities over fears of possible attacks, while others remain uncertain about returning to their farmlands.

Sources from the affected communities said the situation has worsened tension in an area already struggling with recurring insecurity and limited security presence.

Residents and observers say the development highlights a growing pattern in parts of the North-West where armed groups impose levies on rural communities before farming activities can take place, a practice widely described as “taxation” or “peace arrangements” in local parlance.

DAILY POST gathered that such arrangements have failed to guarantee lasting peace, instead deepening cycles of intimidation, fear and forced compliance in affected communities.

Security analysts have warned that continued payment of such levies could embolden armed groups and expand their influence over rural settlements, further threatening agricultural productivity and food security.

Bakastine also questioned the sustainability of current security approaches, raising concern over the control of affected communities.

“If farmers must pay bandits before cultivating their land, who truly controls these communities?” he asked.

Security operatives are yet to issue an official statement on the development, leaving the fate of the affected communities uncertain.