By Bavoriat Clara
No fewer than 62 kidnapped victims have escaped from captivity following a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike on the camp of a notorious bandit leader, Muhammadu Fulani, in Jigawa Sawai, Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, a border community with Zamfara.
The operation, carried out at about 5:10 pm on Saturday, forced the bandits to abandon their hideout in panic, creating an opportunity for the captives to flee in different directions.
According to the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, twelve of the victims are currently receiving medical treatment at Matazu General Hospital, while sixteen others are being held safely at the Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base in Kaiga Malamai.Interviews with some of the victims confirmed that the air raid prompted the bandits to flee.
Most of the escapees were abducted during a night attack on Sayaya village on Monday, August 11, 2025. Fulani’s group has been linked to several attacks in Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma and parts of Kano State.Meanwhile, the state government has reinforced security in Matazu and Bakori Local Government Areas with the deployment of the Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Wing. Officials say troops are monitoring the area for possible follow-up rescue operations.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda commended the security forces for their efforts and reassured families that the rescued victims would be reunited with their loved ones after completing medical examinations and security checks.
The general security situation in the affected communities was reported to be calm as of Sunday evening.
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