Bandit leader threatens fresh attacks, claims access to security operations

A notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Maha, has threatened to intensify attacks in parts of Katsina State, alleging that he receives advance information about planned security operations.

 

The threats were contained in an audio recording shared on Sunday by verified X user, Abdool Moh.

 

In the recording, Maha warned that attacks would continue unless authorities released his arrested associates and seized cattle.

 

“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,” he said.

 

He also accused security personnel of killing his cattle and destroying his settlements, claiming that the government had ignored efforts to resolve the conflict through dialogue.

 

“Security personnel keep killing our cows. The government does not want us to live in peace. 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,” he alleged.

 

The bandit leader vowed to continue attacks on communities and security personnel if his demands were not met.

 

“If my cows are not released, I swear to God that people will not be able to farm in these local government areas. Let us see who gets tired first because I am not going to die anytime soon,” he said.

 

Maha also claimed to have access to confidential information on security operations, alleging that some operatives tipped him off before troops moved against 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,” he claimed.

 

He further alleged that he possessed recordings and other evidence to support his claims but had chosen not to make them public.

 

The bandit leader also claimed he could kidnap “even a governor” and alleged that he released the body of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar only because of the person interviewing him.

 

Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.) died in bandits’ captivity in June 2026.

 

The claims made in the audio recording have not been independently verified, and Nigerian security agencies had not publicly responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.