A notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Muhammad, has reportedly established contact with the family of abducted retired senior military officer, Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari.
Sources told Daily Trust that the bandit kingpin, who operates in parts of Katsina State, opened a line of communication with the retired General’s family on Monday morning, June 1, 2026.
Major General Batsari and his wife were reportedly abducted on Saturday in Katsina State.
According to eyewitnesses, their vehicle was ambushed along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area when armed men emerged from hiding, blocked the road, and opened fire on the vehicle. The attack forced the vehicle to a halt before the gunmen whisked the retired officer and his wife into a nearby forest.
Residents say the road has become notorious for repeated bandit attacks and is considered highly unsafe.
A senior local government official in Batsari, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, confirmed that he personally spoke with the abducted officer 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 retired General reassured his family and associates that they were being adequately cared for by their captors, a development that has somewhat eased anxiety among relatives and residents.
The official further disclosed that Kachallah Muhammad made his demands clear during the interaction, insisting on the release of his relatives allegedly being held by Nigerian security authorities.
“He said what he wants is the immediate release of his relatives in government custody,” the official added.
The source also revealed that the bandit leader expressed a willingness to resume negotiations, indicating openness to dialogue aimed at restoring peace in Matazu and other areas under his influence.
“He said he is ready to return to the negotiation table to achieve peace in Matazu and neighbouring communities,” the official said.
Relatives and residents of Batsari have expressed deep concern over the abduction of the retired senior military officer, describing the incident as a devastating blow to both his family and the community that has benefited from his years of service and philanthropy.
A family member, Mariya Ibrahim, said the retired General, whom she described as the family’s breadwinner, was travelling to Katsina with his wife for a wedding when they were abducted.
“He served this country with dedication and deserves protection even in retirement. We want him and his wife rescued alive and unharmed,” she said.
