Four persons abducted by suspected bandits have regained their freedom following a military operation targeting the hideouts of notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani, in Katsina State.
The rescue was carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army during sustained offensives against criminal elements operating in parts of the state.
The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, disclosed the development in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday.
According to the commissioner, the rescued victims were identified as Musa Yakuba, Sa’adu Dayi, Mukhtar Danja and Salisu Danja.
Mu’azu said the victims were freed during ongoing military operations in areas believed to serve as operational bases and hideouts for Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and members of his gang.
He noted that medical personnel were immediately mobilised to attend to the rescued victims, who sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries while in captivity.
“The victims regained their freedom during ongoing military operations in locations believed to be strongholds of the criminal group,” the statement said.
“Medical personnel immediately attended to them following their rescue, as they sustained gunshot wounds while being held by their abductors.”
The commissioner commended the courage and professionalism displayed by the troops and other security operatives involved in the mission, describing the rescue as a testament to the effectiveness of ongoing security operations across the state.
“The Katsina State Government commends the bravery, professionalism and commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies involved in the operation. Their relentless efforts are yielding positive results in the fight against banditry and kidnapping,” Mu’azu stated.
He assured residents that security forces remain on the trail of Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and other criminal elements terrorising communities in the state.
According to him, operations will continue until those responsible for attacks, abductions and other violent crimes are apprehended and brought to justice.
“The security forces remain on the trail of Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and other criminal elements. Operations will continue until all those responsible for acts of terror against innocent citizens are apprehended and brought to justice,” he added.
Mu’azu further reaffirmed the commitment of the Katsina State Government to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that collaboration between the government and security agencies would be strengthened to deny criminals any safe haven.
“The government remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to work closely with security agencies to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven anywhere in Katsina State,” the statement added.
The latest rescue comes amid intensified military operations across the North-West aimed at dismantling bandit networks, securing vulnerable communities and restoring normalcy to areas affected by criminal activities.
