A NOTORIOUS bandit leader, Kachallah Muhammad, has reportedly established communication with relatives of the abducted retired senior military officer, Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari, in a development that may open a channel for negotiations over the couple’s release.
This newspaper gathered that on Monday that the bandit kingpin, who operates in parts of Katsina State, opened a line of communication with the family of the retired military officer earlier in the day.
Major General Batsari and his wife were reportedly abducted on Saturday while travelling in Katsina State.
The couple’s vehicle was said to have been ambushed along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area by heavily armed gunmen.
According to witnesses, the attackers emerged from hiding, blocked the road and opened fire on the vehicle, forcing it to stop before whisking the retired officer and his wife into a nearby forest.
Residents of the area have repeatedly described the road as unsafe due to persistent attacks by bandit groups operating in the region.
Confirming the latest development, a senior local government official in Batsari, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, disclosed that he personally spoke with the abducted retired general 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 military officer reassured his family members and associates that both he and his wife were being adequately cared for by their captors.
The official noted that the message had helped ease anxiety among relatives and residents who had been deeply worried since news of the abduction emerged.
The source further revealed that during the interaction, Kachallah Muhammad clearly stated his demands, insisting that his relatives allegedly being held by Nigerian security authorities should be released.
“He said what he wants is the immediate release of his relatives and lieutenants in government custody,” the official disclosed.
Beyond his demand, the bandit leader was also said to have expressed readiness to resume negotiations with authorities, indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue aimed at restoring peace in Matazu and other communities under his sphere of influence.
“He said he is ready to go back to the negotiation table to achieve peace in Matazu and neighbouring communities,” the official added.
Meanwhile, relatives and residents of Batsari have continued to express concern over the abduction of the retired senior military officer, describing the incident as a painful blow to both his family and the wider community.
Many residents noted that the retired general had remained actively involved in community development initiatives and humanitarian activities in Batsari long after leaving military service.
A family member, Mariya Ibrahim, described the retired officer as the breadwinner of the family and said he was travelling to Katsina with his wife to attend a wedding when the abduction occurred.
“He served this country with dedication and deserves protection even in retirement. We want him and his wife rescued alive and unharmed,” she said.
Also reacting, a resident, Ibrahim Mamman Batsari, said the incident highlighted the growing insecurity facing citizens across the country.
“If a retired senior military officer can be kidnapped, then ordinary citizens are even more vulnerable. Government must rise to its responsibility,” he said.
Another relative, Aisha Abubakar Batsari, described the retired military officer as the pillar of the extended family and appealed to authorities to intensify efforts toward securing the safe rescue of the couple.