At least 62 kidnapped victims have regained their freedom after a daring airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) forced bandits to abandon their camp in Jigawa Sawai, Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Katsina State Government confirmed the development in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, who disclosed that 12 of the escapees are receiving treatment at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others are being sheltered at the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kaiga Malamai.
The operation, which targeted the hideout of notorious bandit leader Muhammadu Fulani, was carried out at about 5:10 pm on Saturday. The aerial bombardment forced the criminals to flee, creating a window of escape for the hostages who had been in captivity.
> “During debriefings, the rescued victims confirmed that the bandits abandoned their camp following the air raid, allowing about 62 of them to escape in different directions,” the statement read.
Most of the victims were abducted from Sayaya village during a night raid on August 11, 2025, by the armed gang which has been terrorising communities across Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and parts of Kano State.
The government assured that security operatives have intensified surveillance in the affected areas, with the Quick Response Wing of the Nigerian Air Force deployed to restore calm and prevent further attacks.
Governor Dikko Radda commended the gallantry of security forces and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defeating banditry and ensuring the safe return of victims to their families after necessary medical checks.
Katsina, one of the states hardest hit by banditry in recent years, has witnessed repeated attacks. In May, 19 people were killed in Gobirawa Community of Dutsinma LGA after gunmen stormed the area, shooting indiscriminately.
