At least 62 people abducted by armed bandits in Katsina State have regained their freedom following a successful Nigerian Air Force operation targeting a notorious criminal hideout.
According to the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, the airstrike was carried out on Saturday evening at Jigawa Sawai in Danmusa Local Government Area, near the Zamfara border. The raid forced the bandits, led by wanted kingpin Muhammadu Fulani, to abandon their camp, giving the captives a chance to escape.
Authorities confirmed that 12 of the rescued victims are receiving treatment at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others are under care at a military forward operating base in Kaiga Malamai. Survivors narrated how chaos erupted during the strike, allowing dozens of hostages to flee in different directions.
Most of the victims were kidnapped on August 11 during a night raid on Sayaya village in Matazu, part of a series of attacks blamed on Fulani’s gang across Katsina and neighboring Kano State.
Dr. Mu’azu revealed that an Air Force Quick Response Wing has now been stationed in Matazu and Bakori Local Government Areas to prevent further attacks.
“Troops are closely monitoring the situation for more rescue missions. The general security atmosphere remains calm,” he assured.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda commended the military’s “gallant efforts” and reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to end banditry in Katsina.
Armed gangs, widely referred to as bandits, have for years carried out kidnappings and deadly raids across north-west and central Nigeria, targeting schools, villages, and highways.
