Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued four abducted persons in Katsina State as security operatives intensify efforts to track down a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani, and members of his gang.
The Katsina State Government confirmed the development on Wednesday, saying the victims were freed during ongoing military operations targeting criminal hideouts linked to the wanted bandit kingpin.
In a statement issued 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 commissioner, the victims were recovered from locations believed to be occupied by the criminal group during sustained security operations in the area.
Mu’azu disclosed that the victims were immediately taken for medical evaluation and treatment after sustaining gunshot injuries while in captivity.
The state government commended the Nigerian military and other security agencies involved in the operation, describing the rescue as a significant boost to ongoing efforts to tackle banditry and kidnapping in the state.
He reassured residents that authorities remained committed to protecting lives and property, stressing that security forces would continue the pursuit of Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and other criminal elements terrorising communities across the state.
The government also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing operations against bandits and other violent groups.