62 kidnapped victims escape from bandits’ den after NAF airstrike

62 kidnapped victims have escaped following an air strike on the camp of a notorious bandit kingpin, Muhammadu Fulani, in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday, August 18, 2025.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) air strike was targeted at Jigawa-Sawai area on the border with Zamfara State.

Mu’azu stated that 12 of the escaped victims are currently receiving treatment at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others are at the Nigerian Army Forward Operational Base (FOB) in Kaiga Malamai.

The commissioner said: “The Nigerian Air Force operation, conducted on Saturday at 05:10 p.m., forced the bandits to flee their stronghold, creating the opportunity for the mass escape of victims held captive.

80% of bandit attacks aided by community informants in Katsina — Govt

“During interviews with the rescued victims, it was confirmed that the bandits fled as a result of the airstrike.

“The victims revealed that about 62 people escaped and took off in different directions.

“Majority of the victims were abducted from Sayaya village during a night attack on Monday, August 11, 2025, by Fulani’s gang, which has been terrorising Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and parts of Kano State.”

Mu’azu said the state government has deployed Quick Response Wing of the NAF to restore peace to the troubled communities in Bakori and Matazu LGAs of Katsina State.

“Our troops are currently monitoring the situation for further rescue operations,” he added.

The Star