Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued four kidnap victims who were held alongside the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information who died in captivity, during a sustained offensive against the notorious bandit leader Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and his criminal network in Katsina State. The rescue, announced on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, came just days after security forces freed the widow of the late general and marked a significant breakthrough in ongoing operations to dismantle one of the most active kidnapping syndicates in the North‑West.
The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed in a statement that 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 rescued during sustained military operations in areas believed to be hideouts of the bandits. Upon their rescue, medical personnel immediately attended to them for gunshot wounds sustained during their captivity.
The operation was executed by troops of the Nigerian Army, with support from the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, which conducted Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions over the area before the ground assault. Military sources said troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them with overwhelming firepower, forcing them to flee in disarray and abandon their camp and captives. Subsequent exploitation of the camp led to the rescue of the four victims. The victims were immediately evacuated to Forward Operating Base Matazu, where they were received by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General B.P. Koughna.
Connection To Late General Rabe Abubakar
The rescued victims were among those previously seen in a photograph with the late Major General Rabe Abubakar during their captivity. Leadership newspaper reported that the victims were held captive alongside the former Director of Defence Information, who died in captivity at the weekend. The late general’s widow, Hajia Amina, was rescued by troops a couple of days before the latest operation. This connection underscores the scope of the criminal network that had been operating in the area, holding multiple victims across different locations.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, in swift response, commended the bravery, professionalism, and commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies involved in the operation. The governor noted that the relentless efforts of security forces continue to yield positive results in the fight against banditry and kidnapping across the state. The state government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and pledged to continue working closely with security agencies to ensure that criminals have no safe haven anywhere in Katsina State.
Ongoing Hunt For Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani
The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs assured citizens that security forces remain on the trail of Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and other criminal elements. The ministry emphasised that ongoing operations will continue until all those responsible for acts of terror against innocent citizens are brought to justice. The bandit kingpin, who has been linked to multiple kidnapping and banditry operations in the region, remains the target of an intensive manhunt.
Context of Insecurity In Katsina
The rescue operation comes amid a broader security crackdown in Katsina State, which has been plagued by banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling for years. Security forces have intensified operations following the abduction and death of Major General Rabe Abubakar. On Monday, his widow was rescued during an encounter with the bandits but sustained gunshot injuries. The state government has also announced fresh security measures, including the ban on motorcycles, the prohibition of the sale of petroleum products in jerrycans, and the shutdown of Point-of-Sale (POS) outlets and public phone charging centres in areas exploited by criminal networks.
President Bola Tinubu has also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security in the state. The development comes as Katsina continues to battle banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling across several local government areas. Authorities have intensified efforts to dismantle bandit networks operating across parts of Katsina and neighbouring states. The rescue of the four victims and the ongoing hunt for Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani represent significant steps in these efforts, though challenges remain as criminal networks continue to adapt and exploit the region’s vast, ungoverned spaces.
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