By Muhammad Mamman
In a dramatic turn of events, 62 kidnapped victims seized their chance at freedom following a precision Nigerian Air Force airstrike that dismantled a notorious bandit camp in Katsina State, authorities confirmed Monday.
The high-stakes operation, executed Saturday at 5:10 p.m. in the Jigawa-Sawai area along the Zamfara border, targeted the hideout of infamous bandit leader Muhammadu Fulani in Danmusa Local Government Area. The strike forced the bandits to abandon their stronghold, allowing the captives to escape, according to Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, Katsina’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs.
“Interviews with the rescued victims confirmed the bandits fled in disarray after the airstrike,” Mu’azu said in a statement. “This created a critical window for the captives to break free.”
The majority of the escapees were abducted during a brazen night raid on Sayaya village in Matazu on August 11, 2025, by Fulani’s gang, which has long terrorized communities across Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and parts of Kano State. The 62 victims scattered in multiple directions during their escape, with 12 now receiving medical care at Matazu General Hospital and 16 others under protection at the Nigerian Army Forward Operational Base in Kaiga Malamai.
Katsina State has deployed the Nigerian Air Force’s Quick Response Wing to intensify efforts to restore peace in the hard-hit Bakori and Matazu areas. “Our troops are actively monitoring the situation toигры
System: for additional rescue operations,” Mu’azu said, adding that the government is working to reunite the victims with their families after medical evaluations.
