Bandit Leader Claims Ex-Military General Is In Captivity

A notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Muhammadu, has reportedly confirmed that former military spokesperson, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), is being held captive by his gang.

According to Sahara Reporters, sources familiar with the matter said the bandit leader made the claim in a voice message, where he allegedly stated that the retired senior military officer was alive and in good condition.

“General Rabe Abubakar is with them and he is healthy,” one source quoted the bandit leader as saying.

Kachalla Muhammadu was said to be from Nasarawar Yamma under Karaduwa District, north of the Sayaya junction, an area also known as Sabon Sara.

Sources claimed he had previously participated in a government-backed peace arrangement involving armed groups operating in parts of the North-West.

The latest revelation has heightened concerns over the planning behind the abduction.

According to sources, Kachalla allegedly disclosed that his gang had monitored Abubakar’s movement from Kaduna before the attack.

The bandit leader reportedly claimed that the group received details about the retired general’s movements and the times he usually left his residence.

Sources said the gang initially planned to abduct the retired officer around Musawa junction, where the road splits toward Musawa and Gidan Mutum Daya.

According to the account attributed to Kachalla, the gang expected Abubakar to take the Gidan Mutum Daya route.

However, the retired general reportedly proceeded through the Musawa-Matazu Road, where the armed group intercepted him.

“Kachalla said when the retired general reached the junction, instead of taking the Gidan Mutum Daya road as they anticipated, he proceeded through the Musawa-Matazu axis. That was where they intercepted him and successfully carried out the abduction,” a source said.

Naija News reports that the retired general and his wife were reportedly abducted along the Matazu axis of Katsina State on May 30, 2026.

Sources said the couple were travelling to Katsina when armed assailants intercepted them.

The driver was said to have escaped from the scene despite sustaining a gunshot wound.

The vehicle involved in the incident, described as a red Peugeot 504 assigned to the retired officer, was reportedly recovered after the attack.

It was later parked at the Matazu Divisional Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.