Bandit leader reaches out to family of kidnapped General, demands release of relatives

A well-known bandit leader, Kachallah Muhammad, has contacted the family of the kidnapped retired military officer, Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari, Daily Trust learned on Monday.

Sources told our reporter that the bandit, who operates in Katsina State, started communicating with the General's family on Monday morning.

Major General Batsari and his wife were kidnapped on Saturday in Katsina State.

Gunmen ambushed their vehicle on the Marabar Musawa, Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area. Witnesses said the attackers came out from hiding, blocked the road, and fired at the vehicle. They then forced it to stop and took the retired officer and his wife into a nearby forest.

Residents say that road is dangerous because of frequent bandit attacks.

A senior local government official in Batsari, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, confirmed that he spoke with the abducted officer during a conversation arranged by the bandit leader.

“I spoke with Major General Rabe through Kachallah Muhammad. He told us that he is well and that his wife is also fine,” the official said.

The source added that the retired General reassured his family and friends that they are being well cared for by their captors. This news has eased some worries among relatives and locals.

The official also revealed that Kachallah Muhammad made his demands clear. He wants the release of his relatives, who he claims are held by Nigerian security forces.

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

The bandit leader also said he is willing to return to talks. He showed interest in discussions aimed at bringing peace to Matazu and other areas he controls.

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

Family and Community Concerns

Family members and residents of Batsari are very worried about the kidnapping of the retired military officer. They see this as a serious blow to both his family and the community, which has benefited from his service and generosity.

A family member, Mariya Ibrahim, said the retired General, who is the family's main provider, was on his way to a wedding in Katsina with his wife when they were taken.

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

A local resident, Ibrahim Mamman Batsari, commented, “If a retired senior military officer can be kidnapped, then ordinary citizens are even more vulnerable. The government must do its job.”

Another relative, Aisha Abubakar Batsari, described the retired officer as the backbone of the extended family and called for his safe return.

Residents mentioned that the General was active in community development projects in Batsari.

A community leader, Haruna Mai Maganin Kwari Batsari, said the retired officer was supposed to be in town on the day of the incident to discuss community issues.

Security expert, Abubakar Ibrahim, warned that this incident shows a dangerous rise in insecurity in Katsina State. He said criminal groups seem to be getting bolder.

“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.