62 Kidnap Victims Escape As NAF Bombs Bandits’ Camp In Katsina
The Katsina State Government has confirmed that 62 kidnapped victims escaped after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) air strike hit the camp of a notorious bandits’ kingpin, Muhammadu Fulani, in Danmusa Local Government Area.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, announced the development in a statement on Monday.
The air strike, carried out on Saturday at 5:10 p.m. in the Jigawa-Sawai area bordering Zamfara, forced the bandits to abandon their stronghold, creating an opportunity for captives to flee.
Mu’azu disclosed that 12 of the victims are receiving treatment at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others are at the Nigerian Army Forward Operational Base (FOB) in Kaiga Malamai.
“The Nigerian Air Force operation, conducted on Saturday at 05:10 p.m., forced the bandits to flee their stronghold, creating the opportunity for the mass escape of victims held captive.
“During interviews with the rescued victims, it was confirmed that the bandits fled as a result of the airstrike.
“The victims revealed that about 62 people escaped and took off in different directions.
“Majority of the victims were abducted from Sayaya village during a night attack on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, by Fulani’s gang, that has been terrorising Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and parts of Kano State,” he said.
He added that the state government has deployed a Quick Response Wing of the Nigerian Air Force to restore peace in Bakori and Matazu Local Government Areas.
“Our troops are currently monitoring the situation for further rescue operations,” he said.
The commissioner assured the affected families that the government would reunite the rescued victims with their loved ones after completing necessary medical examinations.
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