The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out precision airstrike on the stronghold of notorious bandit kingpin, Babaro, at Pauwa Hill in Kankara local government area of Katsina State.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in the state, Dr Nasiru Mua’zu,l said the operation was carried out on Friday evening between 6p.m. and 7p.m., targeted at Babaro’s enclave, long feared as a hub of terror in the region.
Mua’zu stated that the strike led to the rescue of 76 kidnap victims, mostly women and children, who were held in captivity.
He added that a child was reported dead during the ordeal.
The Commissioner described the rescue as a decisive step in dismantling the network of bandits responsible for killings, kidnappings, and extortion across rural communities.
“This breakthrough reflects the renewed momentum of security operations across Katsina State. The coordinated air and ground efforts of our forces are steadily reclaiming our towns and villages from the grip of criminals”, he said.
The Commissioner commended the gallantry of the NAF, the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies involved in the mission, emphasising the state government’s commitment to supporting ongoing operations through logistics, intelligence-sharing, and community engagement.
Mu’azu also urged citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies, stressing that the collaboration between security forces and communities was crucial to defeating banditry.
“With the bravery of our forces and the resilience of our people, Katsina will overcome these enemies of peace and achieve lasting stability,” he assured.
