Bandits holding Major General Rabe Batsari (retd) and his wife have demanded the release of some of their detained associates as conditions for freeing the couple in their den in Katsina State.
The demand emerged after the kidnappers established contact with family of the couple and conveyed their position through a conversation that also provided the first indication that the retired military officer and his wife are still alive.
The Guild gathered on Tuesday that they contacted the family barely three days after the retired army officer and his wife were abducted while travelling to attend a wedding ceremony.
As learnt, the couple were picked forcefully along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of the state after the gunmen displayed superior fire power before the retired military officer.
According to a senior local government official in Batsari, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the gang’s leader, identified as Kachallah Muhammad, informed relatives that the couple remained unharmed while outlining the group’s conditions for their release.
The local government official said the retired general personally spoke to him during the phone conversation and reassured those who contacted him about their wellbeing.
“I was able to speak directly with him, and he confirmed that both he and his wife are safe. He sounded composed and told us they are being treated well,” the official said.
Furthermore, the contact reportedly eased fears among family members who had been anxiously awaiting information about the couple since their abduction.
However, the kidnappers insisted that any arrangement for their freedom would depend largely on the fate of individuals they claimed were being held by security agencies.
“The message was straightforward. They want some of their gang members released from custody, and they presented that as their primary condition,” another source familiar with the negotiations said.
Beyond the demand, the bandit leader was also said to have expressed interest in possible discussions with authorities and community leaders regarding security challenges affecting several communities in the area.
“He indicated that dialogue aimed at achieving peace remains possible if stakeholders are willing to engage,” the source added.
Earlier, residents narrated that the gunmen appeared suddenly, shot sporadically to force the vehicle to halt, and subsequently led the couple into a nearby forest.