62 Kidnap Victims Regain Freedom After Airstrike On Bandit Camp In Katsina

The Katsina State Government has confirmed that 62 kidnapped victims regained their freedom after a Nigerian Air Force airstrike targeted a notorious bandit camp in Danmusa Local Government Area.

The operation, carried out around 5:10 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, struck the hideout of wanted kingpin Muhammadu Fulani in Jigawa Sawai, a border community with Zamfara. The bombardment forced the criminals to abandon their base, creating an opening for the captives to flee.

According to the government, 12 of the escapees are currently receiving treatment at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others are being housed at the Army Forward Operating Base in Kaiga Malamai.

“The victims disclosed that the bandits deserted their camp during the strike, which enabled about 62 of them to escape in different directions,” the statement explained.

Authorities noted that most of the rescued individuals had been abducted during a night raid on Sayaya village on August 11. Fulani’s gang has long been accused of terrorizing communities across Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and parts of Kano State.

The government added that troops remain on the ground to stabilize the area, pursue further rescues, and consolidate gains from the strike.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda praised the courage of security forces, assuring families that their loved ones would be reunited with them after undergoing medical checks. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to backing security agencies in the fight against banditry.