A daring Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operation has dealt a heavy blow to banditry in Katsina State, leading to the dramatic escape of 62 kidnap victims from the clutches of a notorious criminal gang.
The airstrike, launched on Saturday at about 5:10 pm, targeted the camp of infamous bandit kingpin, Muhammadu Fulani, located in Jigawa Sawai, Danmusa Local Government Area. Fulani and his gang had long terrorised communities across Matazu, Kankia, and Dutsinma in Katsina, extending their reign of terror into parts of Kano State.
According to a statement by the Katsina Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, the intense bombardment forced the bandits to flee, leaving their captives with a rare opportunity to escape.
“About 62 kidnapped victims broke free and scattered in different directions after the airstrike dislodged the bandits from their enclave,” Mu’azu confirmed.
Victims Recount Ordeal
Preliminary findings revealed that a large number of the hostages were abducted during a night raid on Sayaya Village on Monday, August 11, 2025. Many of them had been subjected to days of trauma in captivity before their miraculous escape.
As of press time, 12 of the freed victims were receiving medical treatment at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others were being sheltered and processed at the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kaiga Malamai. Authorities assured that after thorough medical checks and debriefing, the victims would be reunited with their families.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda hailed the airstrike as a watershed moment in the fight against banditry, commending the gallantry of the security forces.
“This successful operation is a clear sign that our security strategy is working. We will continue to support the gallant efforts of our troops until peace is fully restored in all parts of Katsina,” Governor Radda declared.
He further revealed that the Quick Response Wing of the Nigerian Air Force has been deployed to sustain pressure on criminal elements, while ground troops remain on high alert for follow-up rescue missions.
The daring operation not only crippled a major criminal enclave but also rekindled hope among residents of Katsina who have lived under the shadow of banditry. The state government assured that security agencies are closely monitoring the situation to prevent reprisal attacks and to ensure that normalcy returns to the affected communities.
For families of the freed victims, the news comes as a beacon of hope in dark times, proving that the fight against banditry is far from lost.
PIONEER NEWS 