Abductors Of Ex-Defence Spokesman May Not Be Fulani’s Men — Sources

Fresh claims have emerged over the abduction of a former Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar Batsari (retd.) and his wife in Katsina State.

Some sources in the area who spoke with Daily Trust had initially alleged that the retired army general and his wife were abducted by associates of a bandit leader known as Muhammadu Fulani.

Fulani is said to have been terrorising communities around the Kuki and Sayaya axis.

A source claimed the abductors were targeting a high-profile victim from whom they could demand a huge ransom.

However, another source said there were growing doubts about any direct link between the abduction and Fulani’s camp.

Naija News reports that the source said Fulani had not been very active in the area in recent months following a major security operation carried out in May.

During the operation, joint security forces reportedly killed five bandits and rescued 32 kidnapped victims in coordinated raids targeting the Fulani’s camp.

The source said the operation weakened the group and restored relative calm to communities around the Batsari axis.

According to the source, Fulani are known for large-scale attacks aimed at drawing attention and creating fear among residents.

The source said, “From our experience in this area, this operation does not appear to be one spearheaded by Muhammadu Fulani. We know him as a notorious and boastful operator who likes to make his presence known whenever he strikes.

“His attacks are usually devastating and leave communities in fear and sorrow. This particular incident does not look like his handiwork or that of his loyal fighters.”

‘Abductors May Not Have Known Victim’s Identity’

A resident of Sayaya village also expressed doubt that the attack was carried out by Fulani men.

He said available information suggested that the abductors may not have known the true identity of their victims at the time of the attack.

“From what we gathered, the abductors were not even aware that they had intercepted and abducted a retired senior military officer. They appeared to be operating like opportunistic criminals rather than members of a well-known bandit group,” the resident said.

The resident added that the attackers were fewer than the large groups usually associated with Fulani’s operations.

He stated, “They operated more like petty criminals. They were not as many as the fighters who usually accompany Muhammadu Fulani’s men whenever they launch attacks.

“The red vehicle was the only car hence it became the only target at the scene.

“Of course, it is possible that criminal groups may change their tactics over time, but from what we know, this operation does not resemble that of the Muhammadu Fulani we are familiar with, who is known to be extremely deadly and ruthless.”