Retired Major General Rabe Batsari and wife confirmed alive as captor seeks release of detained associates after roadside ambush in Katsina

A notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Muhammad, has established contact with the family of abducted retired Army spokesman, Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari, demanding the release of his associates in government custody as a condition for their freedom.

Sources revealed that the bandit kingpin initiated communication on Monday morning, opening negotiations and insisting on a prisoner exchange involving individuals allegedly detained by Nigerian security agencies.

A senior official in Batsari Local Government Area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed he was part of the conversation facilitated by the bandit leader and had the opportunity to speak directly with the retired general.

According to the official, both the former army officer and his wife are alive and in stable condition. However, the abductors remain firm in their demand.

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

The retired general and his wife were kidnapped following a violent ambush along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. Witnesses said the attackers lay in wait, blocked the road, and opened fire on the vehicle, forcing it to stop before whisking the victims into a nearby forest.

The driver of the vehicle reportedly escaped despite sustaining gunshot injuries.

Authorities have yet to issue an official response to the kidnappers’ demands as concerns grow over the safety of the victims and the broader implications of negotiating with armed groups.