A notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Muhammadu, who was previously part of a government-backed peace arrangement in Katsina State, has been identified as the mastermind behind the abduction of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife .
The retired military officer and his wife were ambushed on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu LGA. Gunmen emerged from hiding, opened fire on their vehicle, and whisked them into a nearby forest .
Investigations reveal that Kachalla Muhammadu, a young man under 30 from Matazu LGA’s Sayaya district, allegedly monitored the general’s movements from Kaduna before the attack. The gang initially planned to strike at Musawa junction but intercepted the retired officer when he took the Musawa–Matazu route .
Sources say Kachalla had embraced a government peace deal and protected several LGAs but became disgruntled after troops raided Jikamshi market, arresting his associates and seizing his cattle .
In a video released by the abductors, the general’s wife appealed for the release of three detained individuals—Sani, Aminu, and Nasiru—and the return of seized livestock . Kachalla has since communicated with the family, demanding a prisoner swap rather than ransom .
The Katsina State Government has assured that security agencies are working tirelessly to secure the couple’s safe release .
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