Bandit leader Kachalla Muhammad has announced that he reneged on his promise to release Hajiya Amina Abubakar, the wife of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, because he did not want security agencies to claim credit for her freedom.
The couple was abducted on Saturday, May 30, 2026, after their vehicle was ambushed on the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area, Katsina State.
In an audio recording circulating on social media, Kachalla explained that he halted the planned release due to a significant increase in security personnel in the area.
He stated, “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.”
Furthermore, the bandit kingpin expressed frustration regarding the arrest of individuals he claimed were affiliated with his group, warning that these actions were hindering potential negotiations.
He issued specific demands, including the release of three individuals he claimed were in government custody and the return of cattle allegedly seized during security operations near Jikamshi. He suggested that fulfilling these conditions could lead to peace and a reduction in attacks.
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Conversely, the Katsina State government remains hopeful about a rescue.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, noted that security and intelligence efforts have progressed substantially.
He added that Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has ordered security forces to make the safe recovery of the couple and other captives a top priority.
Regarding the nature of the kidnapping, the commissioner’s statement read, “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.”
