The Katsina State Government has confirmed that 62 kidnapped victims escaped following a Nigerian Air Force airstrike on a notorious bandit camp in Danmusa Local Government Area.
The strike, launched around 5:10 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, targeted the hideout in Jigawa Sawai, a community on the Zamfara border, controlled by wanted bandit kingpin Muhammadu Fulani.
According to a government statement issued Sunday, the bombardment forced the bandits to abandon their camp, allowing the captives to flee in different directions. Twelve victims are currently receiving treatment at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others are being sheltered at the Army Forward Operating Base in Kaiga Malamai.
“Most of the victims were abducted from Sayaya village during a night raid on August 11 by Fulani’s gang, which has been terrorizing communities in Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and parts of Kano State,” the statement noted.
The government added that troops remain on the ground to secure the area, pursue further rescues, and consolidate the success of the operation. It described the overall security situation in the affected communities as calm.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda commended the bravery of security forces and assured families that their loved ones would be reunited with them once medical checks are completed. He also reiterated the state’s commitment to fully supporting security agencies in the ongoing fight against banditry.
