Victims Pictured With Late Gen. Rabe Rescued by Troops
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — Four kidnap victims who were previously seen in captivity alongside the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar have been rescued by troops of the Nigerian Army during ongoing operations targeting a notorious bandit network in Katsina State.
The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu.
According to the statement, the rescued victims are Musa Yakuba, 62; Alhaji Sa’adu Dayi, 68; Mukhtar Danja, 36; and Salisu Danja, 50.
“The victims were rescued during sustained military operations in areas where the criminals are believed to be operating,” the commissioner said.
The ministry noted that the four men had earlier appeared in a photograph with the late Gen. Rabe while all were being held by their abductors.
“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),” the statement added.
The government said medical personnel immediately attended to the victims after their rescue, following gunshot wounds sustained during their captivity.
The rescue was carried out as troops intensified efforts to track and apprehend notorious bandit leader Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and members of his gang, who are believed to be responsible for a series of attacks and kidnappings in the area.
Commending the troops, the Katsina State Government praised the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their commitment to restoring peace across the state.
“Their relentless efforts continue to yield positive results in the fight against banditry and kidnapping across the state,” Mu’azu said.
The commissioner assured residents that security forces remain on the trail of the bandit kingpin and other criminal elements.
“We hereby emphasise that ongoing operations will continue until all those responsible for acts of terror against innocent citizens are brought to justice,” he said.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that it would continue working closely with security agencies to ensure that criminals have no safe haven anywhere in Katsina State.