A notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Muhammad, has reportedly established communication with the family of abducted retired senior military officer, Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari, who was kidnapped alongside his wife in Katsina State.
Sources told reporters on Monday that the bandit kingpin, who operates in parts of Katsina State, initiated contact with the family earlier in the day, opening a channel of negotiation over the abducted couple.
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, blocked the road, and opened fire before forcing the occupants into a nearby forest.
Residents of the area described the route as highly unsafe, citing repeated attacks by armed groups operating in the region.
A senior local government official in Batsari, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, confirmed that he was able to speak directly with the retired general during a 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 abducted officer also assured relatives that both he and his wife were being treated well by their captors, a development that has brought some relief to anxious family members and residents.
The official further disclosed that during the interaction, Kachallah Muhammad presented demands, insisting on the release of his relatives allegedly in government custody as a condition for further negotiations.
“He said what he wants is the immediate release of his relatives in government custody,” the official added.
The bandit leader was also said to have expressed readiness to return to dialogue aimed at achieving peace in Matazu and neighbouring communities under his influence.
Family members of the retired general have expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as traumatic and unexpected.
A relative, Mariya Ibrahim, said the officer and his wife were travelling to Katsina for a wedding before 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.
Another family member, Aisha Abubakar Batsari, described him as the backbone of the extended family, while urging authorities to ensure his safe return.
Residents of Batsari also expressed alarm over the abduction, warning that insecurity in the area is becoming increasingly dangerous even for high-profile individuals.
A resident, Ibrahim Mamman Batsari, said the incident highlights the worsening security situation in the region.
“If a retired senior military officer can be kidnapped, then ordinary citizens are even more vulnerable. Government must rise to its responsibility,” he said.
Community leader Haruna Mai Maganin Kwari Batsari noted that the retired general remained active in community development efforts and was expected in the area on the day of the incident for discussions on local matters.
Security analyst Abubakar Ibrahim said the abduction reflects a dangerous escalation of insecurity in Katsina State, warning that criminal groups appear increasingly emboldened.
He cautioned that without urgent and decisive intervention, the situation could further deteriorate, especially along vulnerable rural highways.
Authorities have yet to issue an official update on rescue efforts as of press time.
