No fewer than 62 kidnapped victims have escaped from captivity after the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) launched a successful airstrike on the camp of a notorious bandit leader, Muhammadu Fulani, in Jigawa Sawai, Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, a community bordering Zamfara.
Authorities confirmed that the air raid, which was carried out around 5:10 p.m. on Saturday, forced the armed gang to abandon their hideout, giving the captives the opportunity to flee.
Out of the escapees, 12 are currently receiving medical attention at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others are under security custody at the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kaiga Malamai.
Survivors told reporters that panic gripped the kidnappers as fighter jets bombarded the area, prompting them to flee. The victims said they seized the opportunity to escape in different directions, with many trekking through the night to safety.
Most of those rescued were abducted from Sayaya village during a night attack on Monday, August 11, by Fulani’s gang, which has been blamed for repeated raids across Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and parts of Kano State.
In reaction to the spate of attacks, the Katsina State Government said it had deployed the Quick Response Wing of the Air Force to restore calm in troubled communities, particularly Matazu and Bakori Local Government Areas.
Security sources told journalists that troops were still monitoring the area for possible follow-up operations to rescue more victims. The situation was said to be “calm but under surveillance.”
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, while commending the gallantry of security forces, reiterated his administration’s commitment to ending banditry and restoring peace in the state.
