Former Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd), who was abducted by bandits on May 30, 2026, is allegedly being held in a camp controlled by notorious bandit leader Kachalla Muhammadu in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Sources familiar with the development said the retired Army General and his wife were abducted near Zakin Baure village, close to Matazu town, while travelling to attend a wedding ceremony in Katsina State.
According to the sources, the attack was carried out by a bandit group identified as “KB,” whose members reportedly intercepted the couple and took them hostage.
The sources said the kidnappers were initially unaware of the identity of their victims, noting that their objective was to seize a prominent government official or wealthy individual who could attract a substantial ransom demand.
Shortly after the abduction, the victims were allegedly transferred to the camp of Kachalla Muhammadu, where they are believed to be held.
Background checks indicate that Muhammadu, believed to be under 30 years old, hails from Kogon Maidawa settlement in the Sayaya District of Matazu Local Government Area, where members of his family are still resident.
He was reportedly among bandit leaders who previously embraced a peace agreement brokered by the Katsina State Government.
In an audio recording that circulated on social media, Muhammadu claimed that after accepting the peace deal, he worked to protect communities in Matazu, Musawa, Kankia and Charanchi local government areas from attacks by armed groups.
However, he alleged that his relationship with authorities deteriorated after troops from Kano State reportedly raided Jikamshi market, arrested some of his associates and seized his cattle.
According to the recording, neither his men nor the livestock were returned despite repeated efforts, leading him to abandon the peace arrangement.
Security sources said Muhammadu subsequently resumed violent activities in the area and has been linked to several attacks, including an assault on Jikamshi town that reportedly resulted in multiple deaths.
Meanwhile, sources said negotiations are allegedly ongoing with intermediaries linked to Kachalla Muhammadu in an effort to secure the safe and immediate release of Major General Abubakar and his wife.
Authorities have yet to officially confirm the location of the victims or comment on the reported negotiations.
