The demands were contained in a four-minute video circulated by the kidnappers, showing the retired military officer and his wife in captivity several days after their abduction in Katsina State.
In the footage, Abubakar’s wife, speaking in Hausa, appealed to the Katsina State Government, traditional rulers and community leaders in five local government areas to intervene in the matter.
She specifically called for the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru, whom the kidnappers claimed were being held by authorities.
According to her, two of the men were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was apprehended in Kano State.
She stated that meeting the demands would create a pathway for their freedom.
“Our appeal is for the authorities and community leaders to assist in resolving this matter so that we can regain our freedom,” she said.
Speaking briefly in the video, the retired general urged stakeholders to explore peaceful means of resolving the situation.
“I appeal for efforts that will promote peace. They have indicated interest in dialogue and peaceful coexistence,” Abubakar said.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that shortly after the abduction, relatives of the retired officer were allegedly contacted by a notorious bandit leader known as Kachallah Muhammad, who operates in parts of Katsina State.
The communication reportedly focused on the release of detained associates and other conditions rather than a demand for monetary ransom.
Major General Abubakar and his wife were kidnapped on May 30 while travelling through Katsina State.
The couple, accompanied by their driver, were said to be travelling along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area when armed men attacked their vehicle near Zakin Baure village and forced them into a nearby forest.
Their driver reportedly escaped from the scene despite sustaining gunshot wounds during the attack.
Security operatives later recovered the victims’ red Peugeot 504 vehicle and moved it to the Matazu Divisional Police Headquarters.
The Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road has witnessed repeated incidents of kidnapping, bandit attacks and armed robbery in recent years, with residents frequently expressing concerns over the security situation along the route.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had officially responded to the video or the demands made by the kidnappers.