Bandits Contact Family Of Abducted Retired General, Wife, Makes Demands

A notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Muhammad, has reportedly opened communication with the family of the abducted retired senior military officer, Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari.

The retired Major General and his wife were said to have been abducted on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Katsina State after their vehicle was attacked along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area.

Reports revealed that the bandit leader, who operates in parts of Katsina State, contacted relatives of the retired officer on Monday morning, two days after the abduction.

The development has raised fresh concern over the worsening insecurity in the state, especially on highways and rural routes that residents say have become dangerous due to repeated attacks by armed groups.

Naija News reports that the retired officer and his wife were reportedly travelling when gunmen ambushed their vehicle on the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road.

According to Daily Trust, witnesses said the attackers emerged from hiding, blocked the road and opened fire on the vehicle, forcing it to stop.

The gunmen later abducted the retired General and his wife and took them into a nearby forest.

Residents said the road had become unsafe because of repeated bandit attacks, adding that many travellers now avoid the route unless absolutely necessary.

Official Confirms Contact With Abducted General

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 Kachallah Muhammad.

The official said the retired Major General told them that he and his wife were alive and in stable condition.

He said, “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.”

According to the source, the retired officer also assured his family and associates that they were being taken care of by their captors.

The development was said to have slightly eased the anxiety among relatives and residents, although concerns remain high over their safety.

Bandit Leader Makes Demand

The source further disclosed that Kachallah Muhammad used the communication to state his demand.

According to the official, the bandit leader insisted on the immediate release of his relatives, whom he claimed were being held by Nigerian security authorities.

The official said, “He said what he wants is the immediate release of his relatives in government custody.”

The source added that Kachallah Muhammad also expressed readiness to return to negotiations, saying he was open to dialogue that could restore peace in Matazu and neighbouring communities under his influence.

The official said, “He said he is ready to go back to the negotiation table to achieve peace in Matazu and neighbouring communities.”

Relatives of the retired officer have expressed deep concern over the abduction, describing the incident as painful and disturbing.

A family member, Mariya Ibrahim, said the retired General was travelling to Katsina for a wedding with his wife when they were abducted.

She described him as the breadwinner of the family and appealed to the authorities to ensure his safe return.

She said, “He served this country with dedication and deserves protection even in retirement. We want him and his wife rescued alive and unharmed.”

Another relative, Aisha Abubakar Batsari, described the retired officer as the pillar of the extended family and pleaded for urgent intervention to secure his release.

Residents of Batsari also expressed worry over the incident, saying the abduction of a retired senior military officer showed the level of insecurity in the area.

A resident, Ibrahim Mamman Batsari, said the incident had created fear among ordinary citizens.

He said, “If a retired senior military officer can be kidnapped, then ordinary citizens are even more vulnerable. Government must rise to its responsibility.”

Residents also noted that the retired General had remained active in community development projects in Batsari, even after leaving military service.

A community leader, Haruna Mai Maganin Kwari Batsari, said the retired officer was expected in the town on the day of the incident to discuss community matters before news of the abduction spread.

A security expert, Abubakar Ibrahim, described the incident as a sign of dangerous escalation in Katsina State.

He warned that criminal groups appeared to be growing bolder and called for urgent action to secure major highways and rural communities.

He said, “The kidnapping of a retired Major General shows how emboldened bandits have become. It exposes the vulnerability of major highways and rural communities. If urgent and decisive action is not taken, the situation could further deteriorate.”