The Katsina State Government on Wednesday confirmed that, following ongoing operations aimed at tracking and apprehending notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani, and his criminal gang, troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued four kidnapped victims.

Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Katsina State, said in a statement that the rescued victims were Musa Yakuba, 62 years; Alhaji Sa’adu Dayi, 68 years; Mukhtar Danja, 36 years; and Salisu Danja, 50 years. He said the victims were rescued during sustained military operations in areas where the criminals are believed to be operating.

According to the statement, the rescued victims were immediately subjected to medical examinations following the gunshot injuries they received while in captivity.

The state government commended the Nigerian military and other security agencies that participated in the rescue operations.

The statement assured residents of the state of the safety of their lives, saying that security forces would continue to trail the notorious bandit, Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani, and other criminal elements.

Operatives of the Edo State Security Corps have arrested three suspects specialized in the vandalism of government properties in the state.

The suspects were allegedly arrested by the security in their hideout inside the Primary School in Ovia North East Local Government Area.

The Deputy Commandant of the state’s security outfit in charge of operations, Richard Balogun, disclosed this to newsmen in Benin City.

Balogun gave the names of the suspects as Daniel Idong (29) from Cross River State, while Destiny Idahosa, 18  and Bright Efosa, 25, are from Edo State.

He said the suspects were apprehended at about 7:06 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026, during an operation carried out by operatives of the Oluku command of the Corps

He said they were arrested for alleged vandalism and armed robbery.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in vandalising government property and illegally occupying the premises of Oluku Primary School.

“The use of a public school as a criminal hideout is disturbing and a threat to public safety. The security agencies would continue to clamp down on criminal elements in the state”, he said.

Balogun, who condemned the development, noted that he had recently visited schools in the area to sensitise residents and students against vandalism of government property.

He also added that the suspects are being investigated for criminal trespass and acts capable of causing a breach of public peace within the community.

He said the suspects have been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer of Ekiadolor Police Division for further investigation and possible prosecution.

One of the suspects, Destiny Idahosa, confessed to stealing a mobile phone belonging to a commercial bus driver.

Two persons have reportedly been killed by suspected gunmen in a clash believed to be linked to cult activities in Edo State.

DAILY POST reports that the incidents happened in Ugbiyokho area, along the Ekehuan road in Ovia North- East and at Jattu Junction in Auchi, in Etsako West Local Government area of the state.

In the Auchi incident, a motor park worker simply identified as Jogodo was shot dead on Monday about 10:30 am at Jattu Junction in Auchi by assailants.

It was learned that the assailants who reportedly arrived in a black Lexus RX 350 sport utility vehicle immediately opened fire on the victim (Jogodo) before fleeing the scene.

In another separate incident, a young man simply identified as Happy was also reportedly shot dead around the Ugbiyokho area along Ekehuan road in the Ovia North-East Local Government. 

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The victim was said to be returning home from work when the incident occurred.

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‎ A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said that while the deceased’s wife was opening the gate to their residence, the attackers, who had allegedly laid an ambush for him, emerged and shot him at close range before escaping.

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He added that the victim was rushed to a hospital but later died from the gunshot wounds. 

The rationale behind the attacks could not be immediately ascertained at the time of filing this report.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police  Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said three suspects have been arrested in connection with the Auchi incident.

According to her, we have three suspects in custody, which the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered for the transfer of the suspect  to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the command’s headquarters”

Eno said the park has been temporarily sealed since it is a murder case.

She said preliminary investigations revealed that the issue was over the control of the park, adding that it was sealed off to prevent further bloodshed.

The incidents have raised fresh concerns over cult-related violence in the state and the affected areas.

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