A notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Muhammad, has reportedly made contact with the family of retired senior military officer, Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari, who was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State.
Sources told Daily Trust that the bandit commander, known to operate in parts of Katsina, established communication with the retired general’s relatives on Monday morning.
Major General Batsari and his wife were said to have been kidnapped on Saturday after gunmen ambushed their vehicle along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area. Witnesses said the attackers emerged from hiding, blocked the road, opened fire on the vehicle, and forced the couple into a nearby forest.
Residents have repeatedly described the road as dangerous due to frequent bandit attacks.
A senior official in Batsari Local Government, who requested anonymity because of security concerns, confirmed that he spoke directly with the retired officer during a conversation arranged 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 reassured relatives and associates that both he and his wife were being treated well by their captors, easing some of the fears surrounding their abduction.
The official also revealed that Kachallah Muhammad demanded the release of relatives he claimed were being detained by Nigerian security agencies.
> “He said what he wants is the immediate release of his relatives in government custody,” the official added.
The source further stated that the bandit leader expressed readiness to resume dialogue efforts aimed at restoring peace in Matazu and surrounding communities.
> “He said he is ready to go back to the negotiation table to achieve peace in Matazu and neighbouring communities,” the official said.
Family, residents express worry
Family members and residents of Batsari have voiced concern over the abduction, describing it as a painful loss for both the family and the community, which has benefited from the retired officer’s years of service and philanthropy.
A relative, Mariya Ibrahim, said the retired general and his wife were travelling to Katsina for a wedding when they were kidnapped.
> “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 incident highlights the growing insecurity facing ordinary citizens.
> “If a retired senior military officer can be kidnapped, then ordinary citizens are even more vulnerable. Government must rise to its responsibility.”
Another family member, Aisha Abubakar Batsari, described the retired officer as the backbone of the extended family and appealed for his safe return.
Residents noted that the retired general remained actively involved in development projects within the community.
Community leader Haruna Mai Maganin Kwari Batsari said the officer had been expected in town on the day of the incident to discuss local issues.
Security expert Abubakar Ibrahim warned that the kidnapping reflects an alarming rise in insecurity across 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.”
