A bandit kingpin, Kachallah Muhammad, has reportedly opened communication with the family of abducted retired senior officer, Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari, days after he and his wife were kidnapped in Katsina State.
The retired general and his wife were seized on Saturday along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu LGA after armed men ambushed their vehicle and forced them into a nearby forest.
A local official said he spoke directly with the retired officer through the bandit leader and confirmed both victims were fine.
The bandit leader, according to the source, demanded the release of his associates in government custody and signalled readiness to return to negotiations.
