By: Barth Ozah
The kidnappers holding retired Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari and his wife have reportedly rejected monetary ransom and instead demanded the release of some of their detained associates as a condition for the couple’s freedom.
Maj.-Gen. Batsari, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife were abducted on Saturday by armed bandits along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State while travelling to attend a wedding ceremony.
Sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations disclosed that the leader of the gang, identified as Kachallah Muhammad, contacted the family on Monday, less than 48 hours after the abduction.
During the communication, the kidnappers reportedly insisted that security agencies release some of their members currently in custody rather than pay a cash ransom.
According to reports, the armed men intercepted the couple’s vehicle, opened fire, and forcefully took them into a nearby forest.
Security and community sources revealed that the abductors allowed the retired general to briefly speak with family members during one of the contacts.
He reportedly confirmed that both he and his wife were alive and in stable condition.
A senior official in Batsari Local Government Area acknowledged awareness of the negotiations but declined to provide details, noting that authorities had yet to issue an official statement regarding the kidnappers’ demands.
Family members have appealed to security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the couple.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mariya Ibrahim described the retired officer as a patriotic Nigerian who dedicated years of service to the nation and deserves protection even after retirement.
“He served this country with dedication and deserves protection even in retirement. We want him and his wife rescued unharmed,” she said.
The incident has further heightened concerns over the deteriorating security situation across Nigeria’s North-West region, where kidnapping and banditry continue to pose significant challenges despite ongoing military operations.
Residents of Katsina State expressed concern that the abduction of a former senior military officer highlights the growing audacity of criminal groups and the vulnerability of travellers on major roads in the region.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State Police Command nor military authorities had issued an official statement on the abduction, the reported prisoner-exchange demand, or efforts being made to rescue the victims.(PGSNews)
