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.
Nasir Mu’azu, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Katsina State, in a statement said 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.
He said the Air Force operation, conducted on Saturday at 05:10 PM, 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.
According to him, 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.
He said, “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.”
62 kidnap victims regain freedom after NAF airstrike on bandits in Katsina
