Sixty-two people kidnapped in Katsina State have escaped after a Nigerian Air Force raid on the hideout of a bandit leader, officials confirmed.
The air strike, carried out on Saturday evening, targeted the camp of the notorious bandit leader, Muhammadu Fulani, at Jigawa Sawai in Danmusa Local Government Area, near the border with Zamfara.
Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, said the operation forced the armed men to abandon their victims.
“The air strike made the bandits flee in confusion, and this created an opening for the captives to escape. Twelve victims are receiving treatment at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others are with the army at the forward operating base in Kaiga Malamai,” he said.
According to survivors, the bandits panicked during the air raid and fled in different directions, which gave them the chance to run for safety.
Most of the victims had been abducted on August 11 during a night raid on Sayaya village in Matazu. Fulani’s group has also been accused of carrying out several attacks in Katsina and neighbouring Kano State.
Dr Mu’azu added that a Nigerian Air Force quick response wing has now been stationed in Matazu and Bakori local government areas to curb further attacks.
“Troops are closely monitoring the situation to enable more rescues if needed. The general security condition in the area is calm,” he said.
He assured that the state government would reunite the victims with their families after they complete medical examinations.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda praised the security forces for what he called their “gallant efforts” and restated his administration’s determination to tackle banditry in the state.
