No fewer than 62 kidnapped victims have regained freedom in Katsina State following a successful airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on a notorious bandit camp in Danmusa Local Government Area.
The Katsina State Government confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday, noting that the air raid targeted the stronghold of a wanted bandit leader, Muhammadu Fulani, at Jigawa Sawai, a community bordering Zamfara State.
The strike, carried out around 5:10 p.m. on Saturday, forced the bandits to abandon their base, enabling the captives to escape.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, 12 of the rescued victims are receiving medical care at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others are in safe custody at the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kaiga Malamai.
He added that security agencies are monitoring the area to ensure no further attacks.
“Interviews with the victims revealed that the bandits fled as a result of the airstrike, creating the opportunity for the mass escape.
” About 62 people took off in different directions and found their way to safety,” the statement read.
The victims, mostly abducted from Sayaya village in Matazu Local Government Area during a night attack on Monday, August 11, had been held captive by Fulani’s gang.
The armed group has been linked to repeated attacks in Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and even parts of neighbouring Kano State.
In response to the persistent threats, the state government said it had deployed the Quick Response Wing of the NAF to intensify operations and restore peace across the troubled communities of Matazu and Bakori.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda commended the gallantry of the security forces, assuring that all rescued victims would be reunited with their families once medical checks are completed.
“The government remains committed to ending the menace of banditry in Katsina State,” Dr. Mu’azu said.
The government also urged residents to remain calm, stressing that the overall security situation in the affected areas was under control.