Bandits, who abducted former Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar Batsari, and his wife in Katsina State have reportedly demanded a prisoner exchange for their release.

Sources familiar with the development told The Guardian that the bandit leader, identified as Kachallah Muhammad, established contact with the family on Monday, less than 48 hours after the abduction along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area.

According to the sources, the gang insisted on the release of detained associates held by security agencies as a condition for freeing the abducted couple, instead of a cash ransom.

The incident occurred when armed men blocked the couple’s vehicle and opened fire before whisking them into a nearby forest.

Security and community sources said the abductors allowed the retired general to speak briefly during contact, where he confirmed that he and his wife were in stable condition.

A senior official in Batsari Local Government also confirmed awareness of the negotiations, though authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the reported demands.

A family member, Mariya Ibrahim, appealed for urgent action, saying the retired officer, who was travelling to Katsina for a wedding ceremony, deserves to be rescued safely.

“He served this country with dedication and deserves protection even in retirement. We want him and his wife rescued unharmed,” she said.

Residents expressed concern over rising insecurity in the area, noting that the kidnapping of a former senior military officer highlights worsening conditions across parts of the North-West.

As of press time, neither the Katsina State Police Command nor military authorities had issued an official statement on the incident or ongoing rescue efforts.