‘I Can K!dnap a Governor’ — Bandit Leader Kachalla Claims Access to Security Intel

The feared terrorist leader also made disturbing claims about having deep access to confidential security information, alleging that he receives advance notice of military operations before they are launched.

The threats were contained in a recorded audio message that surfaced on Sunday and was shared by verified X user, Abdool Moh.

In the audio, Maha accused authorities of refusing to release his arrested associates and seized cattle, insisting that the government’s actions had pushed him into escalating violence across affected areas.

According to him, repeated efforts to secure the release of his men were ignored by authorities, leaving him with no intention of backing down.

“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.

Maha further warned that farming activities in several local government areas could be severely disrupted if his demands were not met, threatening more attacks on residents and security operatives.

His remarks suggest worsening insecurity in parts of Katsina, where farmers and rural communities have continued to face persistent attacks from armed groups.

“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.”

In one of the most alarming parts of the recording, the bandit leader claimed that some security personnel secretly work with him and routinely provide sensitive information about planned operations.

He alleged that he is informed ahead of troop movements and has access to intelligence involving high-level government security strategies.

“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.

The claim has raised serious concerns over possible intelligence leaks and internal compromise within security operations in the North-West, where banditry has remained a major threat despite ongoing military offensives.

Maha also spoke about the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, claiming he only agreed to release the late officer’s body because of the person conducting the interview.

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