Bandits who abducted former Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar Batsari (retd.), and his wife in Katsina State have reportedly demanded the release of detained associates in exchange for the couple’s freedom.

Sources familiar with the negotiations said the leader of the gang, identified as Kachallah Muhammad, contacted 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 abductors rejected the option of a cash ransom and instead insisted on a prisoner exchange involving suspected associates currently in custody of security agencies.

The retired general and his wife were kidnapped after armed men reportedly blocked their vehicle and opened fire before taking them into a nearby forest.

Security and community sources disclosed that the abductors allowed Batsari to speak briefly with family members during the contact, confirming that he and his wife were alive and in stable condition.

A senior official in Batsari Local Government confirmed awareness of the ongoing negotiations but said authorities had yet to make any official statement on the reported demands.

A family member, Mariya Ibrahim, appealed for urgent intervention, noting that the retired officer was travelling to Katsina for a wedding ceremony when the incident occurred.

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

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