By our reporter 8.6.2026
Bandit leader Kachalla Muhammad reneged on his promise to release the wife of Major General Abubakar Rabe rtd.
According to reports Kachalla sent an audio message to the chairman of the Matazu Local Government Area in Katsina State complaining about the heavy presence of security personnel in his zone.
He claimed that if he releases Maj Gen Rabe’s wife, the security agencies will claim that they are the ones who rescued her.
“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,” Kachalla was heard speaking in the audio circulating online.
Kachalla also expressed anger over the arrest of individuals he claimed were linked to his group, warning that the arrests had complicated efforts toward any possible dialogue.
He further demanded the release of three unnamed persons allegedly in government custody and the return of cattle he claimed were seized during security operations in the Jikamshi area.
Retired Major General Rabe and his wife were abducted in Katsina State by armed men in an incident that has generated widespread concern and prompted intensified security operations.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Government has expressed optimism that ongoing efforts by security agencies will soon lead to the rescue of the retired military officer and his wife.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, the government said security and intelligence operations had advanced significantly since the abduction occurred.
“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 said
Major-General Rabe and wife in captivity.