A notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Muhammad, has reportedly opened communication with the family of abducted retired senior military officer, Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari, and demanded the release of his relatives allegedly being held by Nigerian security authorities.
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Major General Batsari and his wife were abducted on Saturday in Katsina State after gunmen ambushed their vehicle along the Marabar Musawa, Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area.
The gunmen were said to have emerged from hiding, blocked the road and opened fire on the vehicle, forcing it to stop before taking the retired officer and his wife into a nearby forest.
The road, according to residents, has become unsafe due to repeated bandit attacks.
Sources said Kachallah Muhammad, who operates in parts of Katsina State, contacted relatives of the retired general on Monday morning.
A senior local government official in Batsari, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of security concerns, said he personally spoke with the abducted officer during the conversation facilitated by the bandit leader.
“I spoke with Major General Rabe through Kachallah Muhammad. He told us that he is hale and hearty and that his wife is also fine,” the official said.
According to the source, the retired general assured his family and associates that he and his wife were alive and being taken care of by their captors.
The development reportedly eased some anxiety among relatives and residents of the area.
The official, however, disclosed that the bandit leader used the opportunity to make his demands known, insisting on the immediate release of his relatives allegedly in government custody.
“He said what he wants is the immediate release of his relatives in government custody,” the official added.
The source also said Kachallah Muhammad expressed willingness to return to the negotiation table, indicating readiness for dialogue aimed at restoring peace in Matazu and neighbouring communities.
“He said he is ready to go back to the negotiation table to achieve peace in Matazu and neighbouring communities,” the official said.
Relatives and residents of Batsari have continued to express concern over the abduction, describing it as a devastating blow to the family and the community.
A family member, Mariya Ibrahim, said the retired general, whom she described as the family’s breadwinner, was travelling to Katsina for a wedding with his wife when they were abducted.
“He served this country with dedication and deserves protection even in retirement. We want him and his wife rescued unharmed,” she said.
A resident, Ibrahim Mamman Batsari, said the abduction showed the worsening security situation in the state.
“If a retired senior military officer can be kidnapped, then ordinary citizens are even more vulnerable. Government must rise to its responsibility,” he said.
Another relative, Aisha Abubakar Batsari, described the retired officer as the pillar of the extended family and appealed for his safe rescue.
Residents said the retired general had remained actively involved in community development projects in Batsari.
A community leader, Haruna Mai Maganin Kwari Batsari, said the retired officer was expected in the town on the day of the incident to discuss community matters.
Reacting to the incident, security expert Abubakar Ibrahim said the abduction reflected a dangerous escalation of insecurity in Katsina State.
“The kidnapping of a retired Major General shows how emboldened bandits have become. It exposes the vulnerability of major highways and rural communities. If urgent and decisive action is not taken, the situation could further deteriorate,” he said.
The abduction has renewed concerns over the activities of armed groups in Katsina and other parts of the North-West, where residents continue to face attacks, kidnappings and highway ambushes despite ongoing security operations.
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