A notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Muhammad, has reportedly established contact with the family of abducted retired Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari and set conditions for the release of the former military officer and his wife.
The development has raised fresh concerns about insecurity in Katsina State and the growing threat posed by armed bandit groups operating across parts of the North-West.
Security sources disclosed on Monday that the bandit leader opened a line of communication with relatives of the retired general, who was abducted alongside his wife on Saturday while travelling in Katsina State.
According to reports, the retired military officer and his wife were travelling to attend a wedding ceremony when gunmen attacked their vehicle along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area.
Witnesses said the attackers emerged from hiding, blocked the road and opened fire on the vehicle, forcing it to stop before taking the couple into a nearby forest.
Residents described the road as one of several routes in the area that have become dangerous because of repeated attacks by bandits.
The abduction of a retired Major General has generated widespread concern, with many Nigerians questioning how such a high-profile figure could fall victim to criminal gangs despite years of efforts by security agencies to curb banditry in the region.
A senior local government official in Batsari, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that he was able to speak directly with the retired general during a conversation facilitated by the bandit leader.
According to the official, the retired officer assured family members and associates that he and his wife were alive and in good condition.
“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.
The information has provided some relief to relatives who had been worried about the couple’s safety since news of their abduction emerged.
The source further disclosed that the retired general informed those who spoke with him that he and his wife were being treated well by their captors.
While the claim has somewhat reduced anxiety among family members, concern remains high over the uncertainty surrounding their release.
During the conversation, Kachallah Muhammad reportedly stated that his main demand was the release of some of his relatives whom he claimed were being held by Nigerian security authorities.
“He said what he wants is the immediate release of his relatives in government custody,” the official disclosed.
The demand is likely to present a difficult challenge for security authorities, as the Nigerian government has consistently maintained that criminal groups should not dictate terms to the state.
The source added that the bandit leader also expressed interest in reopening discussions aimed at ending violence in Matazu and neighbouring communities.
“He said he is ready to go back to the negotiation table to achieve peace in Matazu and neighbouring communities,” the official said.
The statement has revived debate over the use of dialogue and negotiation in addressing banditry in parts of the North-West.
Over the years, some state governments have attempted peace agreements with armed groups in a bid to reduce attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling. While some of these efforts recorded temporary successes, many agreements later collapsed as violence resurfaced.
Security experts remain divided on whether negotiations should continue, with some arguing that dialogue can help reduce bloodshed, while others believe it encourages criminal groups to continue their activities.
For the family of the retired general, however, the immediate concern is the safe return of the couple.
A family member, Mariya Ibrahim, described the retired officer as the pillar of the family and appealed to authorities to ensure his rescue.
According to her, the retired general and his wife were travelling to Katsina when they were kidnapped.
“He served this country with dedication and deserves protection even in retirement. We want him and his wife rescued alive and unharmed,” she said.
Residents of Batsari also expressed sadness over the incident, describing the retired officer as a respected community leader who has continued to support development projects after leaving military service.
Many said he remained committed to helping his people through humanitarian and community-based initiatives.
One resident, Ibrahim Mamman Batsari, said the abduction highlights the worsening security situation in many rural communities.
“If a retired senior military officer can be kidnapped, then ordinary citizens are even more vulnerable. Government must rise to its responsibility,” he said.
The kidnapping has once again drawn attention to the security challenges facing Katsina State and other parts of the North-West region.
Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and parts of Kaduna have witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling and village raids. Despite military operations and increased security deployments, many communities continue to experience attacks and abductions.
Several major highways and rural roads in the region have become targets for criminal gangs, forcing travellers to exercise caution and, in some cases, avoid certain routes entirely.
The Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road, where the retired general was abducted, has been identified by residents as one of the vulnerable routes requiring stronger security presence.
Community leaders have called on both the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure roads and rural communities, especially in areas frequently targeted by bandits.
They also urged authorities to ensure the safe rescue of Major General Batsari and his wife while taking steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As relatives await further communication from the kidnappers, concern remains high across Katsina State and beyond, with many Nigerians hoping for the safe and unconditional release of the retired military officer and his wife.