Armed bandits linked to the abduction of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari and his wife have reportedly demanded a prisoner exchange as condition for their release.
The incident occurred along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, where the retired military officer and his wife were seized by gunmen suspected to be operating in the region.
Security and community sources revealed that the suspected gang leader, identified as Kachallah Muhammad, allegedly reached out through intermediaries shortly after the kidnapping to convey the group’s demands.
Rather than requesting a monetary ransom, the abductors are insisting on the release of their detained members currently in security custody before the couple can be freed.
According to sources familiar with the communication, the retired general was briefly allowed to speak, during which he confirmed that he and his wife were in stable condition.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the situation, while security surveillance and response efforts continue in the area.