Bandits who kidnapped retired Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife in Katsina State have rejected a cash ransom and are instead demanding the release of their detained associates in exchange for the couple’s freedom.
The abduction occurred on Saturday along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area. Armed men blocked the couple’s vehicle, opened fire, and whisked them into a nearby forest. Their driver reportedly escaped with injuries.
According to sources who spoke with The Guardian, the bandit leader, identified as Kachallah Muhammad, contacted the family on Monday less than 48 hours after the incident and insisted on a prisoner swap involving his gang members held by security agencies.
During the communication, the retired general was allowed to speak briefly and confirmed that he and his wife were in stable condition.
A family member, Mariya Ibrahim, appealed for urgent intervention, noting that the retired officer was travelling to Katsina for a wedding ceremony.
“He served this country with dedication and deserves protection even in retirement. We want him and his wife rescued unharmed,” she said.
A senior official in Batsari Local Government confirmed awareness of the negotiations. As of the time of reporting, neither the Katsina State Police Command nor military authorities had issued an official statement on the incident or ongoing rescue efforts.
The kidnapping has raised fresh concerns among residents about the deteriorating security situation in parts of North-West Nigeria.
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