Here's one possibility: They did get him, but they want $$$$something$$$$ in return for admitting that they have him. Perhaps they want to sell him to the highest bidder.
If they got him, we will give them $25 million dollars. Thats the price we put on his head.
I dont believe well get into a bidding war over him. A shooting war is a distinct possiblity, but not a bidding war.