Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued four kidnap victims during ongoing military operations targeting notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani, and his gang in Katsina State.
The Katsina State Government disclosed the development in a statement issued early Wednesday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu.
According to the statement, the rescued victims were identified as Musa Yakuba, 62; Alhaji Sa’adu Dayi, 68; Mukhtar Danja, 36; and Salisu Danja, 50.
The victims were reportedly held captive alongside former Director of Defence Information, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died in captivity at the weekend.
The statement noted that the late general’s wife, Hajia Amina Abubakar, had earlier been rescued by troops before the latest military operation that secured the release of the remaining victims.
The government said the victims regained freedom during “sustained military operations in areas where the criminals are believed to be operating.”
It added that medical personnel immediately attended to the rescued victims for gunshot wounds sustained while in captivity.
“It will be recalled that the wife of late Major General Rabe Abubakar was earlier rescued. The rescued victims were earlier seen in a photograph with the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd),” the statement added.
The Katsina State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in the operation.
“The Katsina State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, commends the bravery, professionalism, and commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies involved in the operation. Their relentless efforts continue to yield positive results in the fight against banditry and kidnapping across the state,” the statement read.
The government assured residents that security operatives remain on the trail of Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and other criminal elements terrorising communities in the state.
According to the ministry, military operations would continue until all those responsible for attacks and acts of terror against innocent citizens are apprehended and prosecuted.
“The Katsina State Government remains fully committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to work closely with security agencies to ensure that criminals have no safe haven anywhere in the state,” the statement concluded.
