Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has hit a bandit camp in Danmusa local government area of Katsina State, leading to the escape of 62 kidnapped victims.
The camp, located in Jigawa Sawai, was the stronghold of infamous bandit leader, Muhammadu Fulani, who has been terrorising communities in Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma and parts of Kano State.
The airstrike, conducted on Saturday at 5:10 pm, forced the bandits to flee their hideout, creating an opportunity for the the escape of the victims they held captive.
In a statement signed by the commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, he said the victims revealed that about 62 of them escaped and took to different directions after the bandits fled the camp because of the airstrikes.
Muázu explained that majority of the victims were abducted from Sayaya village during a night attack on Monday, August 11, 2025, by the Fulani-led gang.
He said 12 of the escaped victims were receiving medical attention at a General Hospital, while 16 were waiting at the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kaiga Malamai for preliminary care and processing.
Meanwhile, the state government has assured families that the escapees would be reunited with their loved ones after completing the necessary medical examinations.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda commended the security forces’ gallantry and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending banditry in the state.
To restore peace to the troubled communities, the state government has deployed the Quick Response Wing of the Nigerian Air Force.
Troops are currently monitoring the situation for further rescue operations, and the general security situation in the area remains calm.
Governor Radda praised the security forces’ bravery in the mission, stating, “This successful operation is a clear sign that our security strategy is working. We will continue to support the gallant efforts of our troops until peace is fully restored in all parts of Katsina.”
