The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has rescued 76 kidnapped victims, including women and children, in a decisive air strike on Pauwa Hill, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that the operation, carried out between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., targeted the hideout of notorious bandit kingpin Babaro and his gang, believed to be behind the recent deadly attack on Gidan Mantau in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Confirming the development, the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs said the victims included those abducted in Unguwan Mantau. However, the Ministry also reported that one child tragically lost his life during the ordeal. It described the breakthrough as a reflection of renewed momentum in ongoing security operations across the state.
According to the Ministry, the precision strike forms part of a broader strategy aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts, weakening their networks, and ending the cycle of killings, kidnappings, and extortion that have terrorized communities. It noted that the success of the mission demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated air and ground operations by security forces.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, commended the NAF, the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies for their courage and professionalism. He reaffirmed the government’s support through logistics, intelligence-sharing, and community engagement, urging citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely information to sustain the fight until banditry is fully eradicated.