Troops Rescue Remaining 4 Kidnap Victims Held With Late Ex-DDI General Abubakar In Katsina

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 development was disclosed in a press statement signed by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, and released early Wednesday.

LEADERSHIP reports that the kidnap victims were earlier held captives alongside the former Director of Defence Information (DDI), retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who eventually died in captivity at the weekend. Late General Abubakar’s widow, Hajia Amina, was later rescued by troops a couple of days later before the latest onslaught to set free the remaining victims.

According to the statement, the Katsina State Government announced that the rescued victims were identified as Musa Yakuba, 62; Alhaji Sa’adu Dayi, 68; Mukhtar Danja, 36; and Salisu Danja, 50.

The government said the victims were rescued during “sustained military operations in areas where the criminals are believed to be operating.”

It added that following their rescue, “medical personnel immediately attended to them for gunshot wounds sustained during their captivity.”

The statement added, “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).”

Commending the efforts of security personnel, the Katsina State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, praised the troops and other security agencies involved 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 said.

“The State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs wishes to assure citizens that security forces remain on the trail of Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and other criminal elements,” it added.

The ministry stressed that military operations would continue until all those responsible for attacks and acts of terror against innocent citizens are arrested 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.