A suspected bandit leader, identified as Kachalla Muhammad, has claimed that he suspended plans to release the wife of retired Maj. Gen. Abubakar Rabe, because of the heavy presence of security personnel in the area.
According to Nigerian Tribune, the claim was contained in an audio message circulating on social media, in which the suspect allegedly addressed the Chairman of Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to the recording, the bandit leader said he had earlier promised to release the retired general’s wife but later changed his mind because of ongoing security operations.
The suspected bandit leader alleged that if the woman had been released under the current circumstances, security agencies would have taken credit for rescuing 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,” he was heard saying in the recording.
He also expressed anger over the arrest of persons he claimed were linked to his group, saying the arrests had complicated efforts toward possible dialogue.
The suspect further demanded the release of three unnamed persons allegedly in government custody. He also asked for the return of cattle he claimed were seized during security operations in the Jikamshi area.
According to him, meeting the demands could pave the way for peace and an end to attacks in the area.
Rabe and his wife were abducted in Katsina State by armed men in an incident that sparked concern and intensified security operations.
The Katsina State Government has, however, expressed optimism that ongoing security efforts will lead to their rescue.
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.
The government said Governor Dikko Umaru Radda immediately directed security agencies to prioritise efforts to secure the safe release of the couple and other victims in captivity.
It added that preliminary investigations suggested the abductors specifically targeted Rabe and his wife.
According to the statement, there were indications that their movements may have been monitored before the attack.
“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.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to rescuing the abducted couple and tackling insecurity across Katsina State.
