Bandit contacts family of abducted General, demands prisoner release

A suspected bandit leader, Kachallah Muhammad, has reportedly reached out to the family of abducted retired military officer, Rabe Abubakar Batsari, days after the officer and his wife were kidnapped in Katsina State.

Sources said the armed group leader established contact on Monday and communicated through intermediaries, confirming the condition of the abducted couple and opening lines of negotiation with their relatives.

The retired Major General and his wife were abducted on Saturday along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area. Witnesses said armed men ambushed their vehicle, opened fire, and forced them into a nearby forest.

A local government official, who spoke anonymously due to security concerns, confirmed that he had direct communication with the abducted officer during the exchange facilitated by the bandit leader.

According to the official, the retired general assured his family that he and his wife were safe and receiving care from their captors, easing fears among relatives.

The bandit leader reportedly used the conversation to demand the release of his associates allegedly held by authorities, while also expressing willingness to return to negotiations aimed at restoring peace in the area.

The incident has sparked concern across Batsari and surrounding communities, with residents describing it as another sign of worsening insecurity in the region.

A family member, Mariya Ibrahim, said the retired officer was travelling for a wedding when he was abducted, adding that the family is pleading for his safe return after years of public service.

Other relatives and residents expressed fear over rising insecurity, noting that the kidnapping of a high-ranking retired officer shows that no one is safe.

Security analyst Abubakar Ibrahim said the development reflects growing boldness among armed groups and a deepening security crisis in Katsina State.

He urged urgent government action, warning that continued attacks on major roads and rural communities could further worsen the security situation if left unchecked.