62 Kidnap victims escape as Air Force bombs bandits’ camp in Katsina

The Katsina State Government has confirmed that 62 kidnapped victims regained their freedom after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) air strike hit the camp of a notorious bandits’ leader, Muhammadu Fulani, in Danmusa Local Government Area.

Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, announced the development in a statement on Monday. He said the air raid, carried out on Saturday around 5:10 p.m. at Jigawa-Sawai, near the Zamfara border, forced the bandits to abandon their stronghold, giving the captives a chance to escape.

According to him, 12 of the victims are receiving treatment at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others are at the Nigerian Army Forward Operational Base in Kaiga Malamai. He disclosed that the freed victims confirmed during debriefing that the bandits fled immediately after the strike, allowing about 62 hostages to scatter in different directions.

Most of those rescued had been abducted on August 11 during a night raid on Sayaya village by Fulani’s gang, which has been terrorising parts of Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and even neighbouring Kano State.

Mu’azu explained that the government has deployed the Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Wing to troubled areas in Bakori and Matazu LGAs to maintain peace and prevent further attacks.

He assured that all rescued victims will be reunited with their families after undergoing the necessary medical checks.