At least 62 abducted persons, including women and children, have escaped from a bandits’ camp following a successful airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Katsina State.

 

The operation was conducted on Saturday afternoon, August 16, during a manhunt for a notorious bandit, Muhammadu Fulani, at his camp located in Jigawa Sawai community in Danmusa Local Government Area.

 

A statement by the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Muazu, said 12 of the freed hostages are currently receiving treatment in hospital, while 16 are still with military operatives.

 

“The Katsina State Government has confirmed the dramatic escape of 62 kidnapped victims following a manhunt of a notorious bandit, Muhammadu Fulani, by the Nigerian Air Force that had a successful strike on his camp located in Jigawa Sawai of Danmusa Local Government Area, a community bordering Zamfara State.

 

“It is noteworthy that 12 of the escaped victims are currently receiving medical attention at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 are waiting at the Army FOB in Kaiga Malamai.

 

“The 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.

 

“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.

 

“The 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.

 

“Responding to the persistent bandit attacks in Matazu and Bakori Local Government Areas, the state government has deployed the Quick Response Wing of the Nigerian Air Force to restore peace to the troubled communities.

 

“More so, our troops are currently monitoring the situation for further rescue operations. The general security situation in the area remains calm.

 

“We wish to assure families that the government would reunite the rescued victims with their loved ones after completing necessary medical examinations.

 

“In the same vein, the State Government, under the leadership of Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, commended the gallant efforts of our security forces and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending banditry in the state.”