Notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Muhammadu has reportedly confirmed in an audio recording that abducted former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), is alive and being held by his group following a planned ambush in Katsina State.
Former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), who was recently abducted in Katsina State, is alive and being held in captivity by a bandit group led by notorious kingpin Kachalla Muhammadu, according to a reported audio recording circulating among security operatives. Sources familiar with the recording said the bandit leader, who operates from the Sabon Sara area under Karaduwa District, provided details of the abduction and the retired military officer’s current condition. Abubakar and his wife were reportedly kidnapped after gunmen intercepted them while travelling along a highway in the state.
Security sources said the audio message revealed that the retired general had been under surveillance before the abduction was carried out. Quoting Kachalla Muhammadu, one source said: “General Rabe Abubakar is with them and he is healthy.” The source added that members of the criminal network allegedly monitored the retired officer’s movements from his residence in Kaduna State and tracked his travel plans ahead of the operation. The development has raised fresh concerns over the growing sophistication of armed groups operating across parts of the North-West.
According to information contained in the recording, the abductors had initially planned to intercept Abubakar at Musawa junction, expecting him to travel through the Gidan Mutum Daya route. However, the operation was reportedly adjusted when the retired general took the Musawa–Matazu road instead. A source familiar with the briefing said: “Kachalla said when the retired general reached the junction, instead of taking the Gidan Mutum Daya road as they anticipated, he proceeded through the Musawa–Matazu axis. That was where they intercepted him and successfully carried out the abduction.” Security agencies are said to have intensified efforts to locate the retired officer and secure the release of him and his wife.
READ THE FULL STORY IN DAILY TRUST
NEWS NOW:
- Man United ready to offload three stars after Ederson deal
- Oyo APC decries abduction of Adelabu’s sister, nephews, urges Makinde to end insecurity
- Terrorists kill pastor’s wife, four others after collecting ₦20m ransom for ECWA worshippers
- Abuja residents take security into their own hands amid rising insecurity
