Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the Nigerian Army conducting Operation Clean Sweep III in Katsina State have rescued four kidnapped victims during sustained offensive operations targeting the notorious bandit leader Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and his criminal network, security authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The rescue operation, which took place on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, was a coordinated effort involving troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and Quick Response Force, supported by personnel of the 8 Division Special Forces, and preceded by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions conducted by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma.
According to a statement issued by the Katsina State 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. The victims were rescued during military operations in areas believed to be strongholds of the criminal group, and upon their rescue, medical personnel immediately attended to them for gunshot wounds sustained during their captivity. “The Katsina State Government is pleased to announce the successful rescue of four kidnap victims by troops of the Nigerian Army during ongoing operations aimed at tracking and apprehending the notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani, and his criminal gang,” the statement read.
The military disclosed that the operation was launched after ISR missions enabled troops to accurately identify and dominate the terrorists' enclave in Fafu Village along the Matazu–Musawa axis. During the operation, troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, deploying overwhelming firepower that forced the criminals to abandon their camp and flee in disarray. “Unable to withstand the troops’ aggressive offensive, the terrorists fled in disarray and abandoned their camp and captives,” the Army said in a statement. A follow-up exploitation of the camp led to the rescue of the four abducted victims, who were immediately evacuated to the Forward Operating Base in Matazu, where they were received by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General B.P. Koughna. The GOC reassured the victims of their safety and reiterated the military's commitment to restoring lasting peace and security across Katsina State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted on April 14, 2026, from Sabon Sara along the Matazu-Karaduwa Road. The Army further disclosed that the victims were held captive alongside the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information who died in captivity at the weekend, and his wife. The late general's widow, Hajia Amina Abubakar, was rescued by troops a few days prior to the latest operation. The rescued victims were earlier seen in a photograph with the late Major General during their captivity, underscoring the scope of the criminal network operating in the area. Some of the victims, who sustained gunshot wounds allegedly inflicted by their abductors during captivity, received immediate medical attention before being transferred to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for specialist treatment.
The Katsina State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, commended 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 government assured citizens that security forces remain on the trail of Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and other criminal elements, stressing that operations will continue until all those responsible for acts of terror against innocent citizens are apprehended and brought to justice. “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.
The rescue 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, whose widow was rescued during an encounter with the bandits but sustained gunshot injuries. The state government has also announced fresh security measures, including a ban on motorcycles, the prohibition of the sale of petroleum products in jerrycans, and the shutdown of Point-of-Sale 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 successful rescue of the four victims and the ongoing hunt for Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani represent significant steps in efforts to dismantle bandit networks operating across Katsina and neighbouring states. However, challenges remain as criminal networks continue to adapt and exploit the region's vast, ungoverned spaces. The military has reaffirmed its commitment, alongside other security agencies, to ensuring that terrorists and bandits have no safe haven anywhere in the country. As troops continue to sustain aggressive operations, the people of Katsina State watch with cautious hope that the tide may finally be turning against the bandits who have terrorised their communities for years.
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