A suspected bandit leader identified as Kachalla Muhammad has claimed that he suspended plans to release the wife of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, citing the heavy presence of security personnel in the area.

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 in Katsina State.

According to the voice recording, the bandit leader said he had initially indicated a willingness to release the retired general’s wife but later reversed the decision because of ongoing security operations around the area.

He alleged that if the woman had been released under such circumstances, security agencies would have taken credit for her rescue.

“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.

The suspect also expressed anger over the arrest of individuals he claimed were linked to his group, warning that the arrests had complicated efforts toward any possible dialogue.

He further demanded the release of three unnamed persons allegedly in government custody and the return of cattle he claimed were seized during security operations in the Jikamshi area.

The bandit leader stated that meeting those demands could pave the way for peace and an end to attacks in the area.

Retired Major General Rabe and his wife were abducted in Katsina State by armed men in an incident that has generated widespread concern and prompted intensified security operations.

Meanwhile, the Katsina State Government has expressed optimism that ongoing efforts by security agencies will soon lead to the rescue of the retired military officer and his wife.

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 occurred.

According to the statement, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda immediately directed security agencies to prioritise efforts aimed at securing the safe release of the couple and other victims held in captivity.

The government disclosed that preliminary investigations suggested that the abductors specifically targeted General Rabe and his wife, with indications that their movements may have been monitored before the attack was carried out.

Officials noted that the sophistication of the operation points to the involvement of an organised criminal network and reflects an emerging pattern of attacks in parts of the North-West.

“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 Katsina State Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted couple and tackling the broader security challenges facing communities across the state. (TRIBUNE)