A notorious terrorist leader, Kachalla Maha, issued a threat to escalate attacks in parts of Katsina State and claimed to have advance knowledge of security operations.

The warning was delivered in a recorded audio clip shared on Sunday by a verified X user, Abdool Moh. In the recording, Maha supposedly warned that violence would persist unless his arrested colleagues and confiscated cattle were released. He asserted that he had repeatedly demanded their freedom, but authorities had ignored his pleas.

“You arrested my men, and I asked for their release. You refused. I promised that I would abduct many people, and I already have targets.

“Security personnel keep killing our cows. The government does not want us to live in peace. What is the point of burning our houses. We have tried to reach agreements with people in the area, but it is not helping because the government is not listening to our complaints or to those trying to advise them.

“I asked why my men and Aminu were arrested. Since they were not released, I don’t care if they send thousands of soldiers. I am not tired, and I will not stop until I leave this world,” he said.

Based on the recording, the terrorist warned that if his demands went unmet, he would unleash more violence on communities and security forces.

“I said, between us (the bandits) and the government, whoever is right, may God grant that person justice. If I am wrong, may God judge against me. If I am right, may God grant me justice. From what I am seeing, things are going well for me.

“If my cows are not released, I swear to God that people will not be able to farm in these local government areas. Call me a bastard if I fail.

“How can I embrace a government that is unjust and does not treat me fairly? They should have released my men. If my people and my cows are not released, then this situation will continue. It is the poor people who will suffer. Let us see who gets tired first because I am not going to die anytime soon.”

He also asserted that he possessed confidential details regarding upcoming security actions, and that certain operatives tipped him off beforehand whenever troops drew near his camp.

“I swear to Almighty God that all the security forces sent to attack my camp are my boys. They inform me whenever they are coming. I receive information about security strategies, including those involving the President. It is only because I allow them to operate. Otherwise, they would not even be able to use the roads.

“I do not like betraying people. If I wanted to, I could release voice recordings and other evidence to prove what I am saying. The way some of them listen to me is even more than the way they listen to their superiors. I have the ability to kidnap even a governor,” he said.

Furthermore, Kachalla stated he released the body of the late Major General Rabe solely due to the interviewer.

“If not because of you, I wouldn’t have released the corpse,” he alleged.