Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued four kidnap victims during ongoing operations targeting a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani, and members of his criminal gang in Katsina State.

 

 

 

The Katsina State Government disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu.

 

 

 

The rescued victims were identified as Musa Yakuba, 62; Alhaji Sa’adu Dayi, 68; Mukhtar Danja, 36; and Salisu Danja, 50.

 

 

 

According to the statement, the victims were rescued during sustained military operations in areas where the bandits were believed to be operating.

 

 

 

It added that medical personnel immediately attended to the victims following their rescue, as they had sustained gunshot wounds during their captivity.

 

 

 

The government recalled that the wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd) had earlier been rescued in a related operation.

 

 

 

It noted that the four victims were among those previously seen in a photograph alongside the late senior military officer while in captivity.

 

 

 

The state government commended the bravery, professionalism and commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies involved in the operation.

 

 

 

It stated that the security forces’ relentless efforts continued to yield positive results in the fight against banditry and kidnapping across the state.

 

 

 

The government further assured residents that security operatives remained on the trail of Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and other criminal elements responsible for terrorising communities.

 

 

 

It emphasised that ongoing operations would continue until all those responsible for acts of terror against innocent citizens were apprehended and brought to justice.

 

 

 

The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven anywhere in the state.