The Katsina State Government has confirmed the escape of 62 kidnapped victims following a successful Nigerian Air Force operation targeting the camp of a notorious bandit leader, Muhammadu Fulani, in Jigawa Sawai, Danmusa Local Government Area, a border community with Zamfara State.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that the operation, conducted on Saturday around 5:10 p.m., forced the bandits to abandon their stronghold and created an opportunity for the victims to flee.
According to official reports, 12 of the escapees are receiving treatment at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others are currently at the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kaiga Malamai. The government assured that the victims would be reunited with their families once medical examinations are completed.
Interviews with some of the rescued victims confirmed that the bandits scattered in different directions after the airstrike, enabling their escape. Most of the victims had been abducted from Sayaya village on Monday, August 11, 2025, during a night raid by Fulani’s gang, which has been linked to attacks in Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and parts of Kano State.
To address repeated bandit incursions in Matazu and Bakori Local Government Areas, the state government has deployed the Quick Response Wing of the Nigerian Air Force. Security forces are also monitoring the situation closely to support further rescue operations. Officials confirmed that the security atmosphere in the affected communities remains calm.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, commended the gallant efforts of the security forces on behalf of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda. He reiterated the government’s determination to end banditry in Katsina and restore lasting peace to the state.