Bandits Abduct Retired Major General Rabe Batsari and Wife in Katsina

Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari, former Director of Defence Information, and his wife Hajiya Amina Abubakar were ambushed by armed bandits along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu LGA, Katsina State, while travelling to a wedding. Their driver was also taken. By June 1, bandit leader Kachallah Muhammad made contact with the family and demanded a prisoner exchange — the release of jailed gang members — rather than a cash ransom. The abduction of a senior retired military officer underscored the alarming reach of northwest banditry and the security vacuum in Katsina State, which has seen escalating kidnapping campaigns targeting prominent individuals.