Why I Did Not Release Abducted General’s Wife as Promised — Katsina Bandit Leader

 

A notorious bandit kingpin in Katsina State, Kachalla Muhammed, has explained why he failed to release the wife of a retired Major General, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, as earlier promised, citing the heavy presence of security personnel in the area.

Muhammed also claimed that he did not want security agencies to take credit for her release, according to an audio message he reportedly circulated.

Retired Major General Abubakar Rabe and his wife were abducted while travelling to Katsina on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Their vehicle was ambushed along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The bandit leader said he had initially indicated his willingness to release the retired general’s wife but later reversed the decision because of intensified security operations in the area.

“I had promised the General that I would release his wife, but the deployment of security personnel in the area made me change my mind,” he said.

Kachalla also expressed anger over the arrest of individuals he claimed were members of his group, warning that the arrests had complicated efforts toward any possible dialogue.

He demanded the release of three of his associates allegedly being held in government custody and called for the return of cattle seized during security operations in the Jikamshi area.

According to him, meeting these demands could pave the way for peace and bring an end to attacks in the area.

However, the Katsina State Government has expressed optimism that security operatives will rescue the retired military officer and his wife.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, said security and intelligence operations had made significant progress since the abduction.

The statement noted that Governor Dikko Umaru Radda had directed security agencies to prioritise efforts aimed at securing the safe release of the couple and other victims held in captivity.

“The way this attack was carried out suggests it was carefully planned and specifically targeted. This has influenced the government’s response strategy. Security agencies are working around the clock, deploying intelligence and technology to locate the victims and secure their release,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, an earlier video circulating online showed Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.) and his wife appealing for assistance to secure their freedom from captivity.