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A notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Muhammad, has reportedly established contact with the family of abducted retired Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari and outlined conditions for the release of the former military officer and his wife.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed on Monday that the bandit kingpin, who is said to operate in parts of Katsina State, initiated communication with the family, providing the first direct update on the condition of the abductees since their abduction.
Major General Batsari (rtd) and his wife were kidnapped on Saturday when gunmen ambushed their vehicle along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Witnesses said the attackers emerged from nearby bushes, blocked the road and opened fire on the vehicle before whisking the couple away into a forest.
Residents have long described the route as a security flashpoint due to recurring bandit attacks and kidnappings.
A senior official in Batsari Local Government Area, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, confirmed that he personally spoke with the retired military officer during a conversation facilitated by the bandit leader.
According to the official, General Batsari informed relatives and associates that both he and his wife were in good health.
“I spoke with Major General Rabe through Kachallah Muhammad. He assured us that he is hale and hearty and that his wife is also fine,” the source said.
The update reportedly brought some relief to family members and residents concerned about the welfare of the retired officer and his spouse.
The official further revealed that the bandit leader demanded the release of some of his relatives allegedly being held by security agencies as a condition for freeing the couple.
“He said what he wants is the immediate release of his relatives in government custody,” the source stated.
Kachallah Muhammad was also said to have expressed readiness to resume negotiations with authorities in a bid to restore peace in Matazu and neighbouring communities affected by banditry.
The development has sparked fresh concerns among residents, who described the abduction of a retired senior military officer as a disturbing sign of worsening insecurity in the state.
Family members said the retired general was travelling to Katsina alongside his wife for a wedding ceremony when they were abducted.
A relative, Mariya Ibrahim, described him as the family's main benefactor and appealed to security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the couple.
“He served this country with dedication and deserves protection even in retirement. We want him and his wife rescued alive and unharmed,” she said.
Another resident, Ibrahim Mamman Batsari, warned that if a retired major general could be kidnapped, ordinary citizens faced even greater risks.
Aisha Abubakar Batsari, another family member, described the retired officer as a pillar of the extended family and urged authorities to intensify efforts to secure his freedom.
Community leaders also noted that General Batsari remained actively involved in local development initiatives and was expected in the town on the day of the attack to discuss community matters.
Commenting on the incident, security analyst Abubakar Ibrahim said the abduction highlighted the growing boldness of criminal groups operating in parts of the North-West.
According to him, the kidnapping of a retired military general underscores the vulnerability of highways and rural communities and calls for more decisive security measures to curb banditry and related crimes in the region.
