About 62 kidnap victims have successfully escaped after a military airstrike in the Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, while confirming the incident, said the victims escaped following the airstrike on the camp of a notorious bandits’ kingpin, Muhammadu Fulani.
Mu’azu said the strike was conducted by the air component of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) targeted at the Jigawa-Sawai area on the border with Zamfara.
He also said that 12 out of the 62 victims who escaped are currently receiving medical treatment at the Ma’azu General Hospital.
In addition, 16 others at the Nigerian Army Forward Operational Base (FOB) in Kaiga Malamai.
“The Nigerian Air Force operation, conducted on Saturday at 05:10 p.m., 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,” Ma’azu said.
He added several of the victims were kidnapped from Sayaya village during a night attack on Monday, August 11, 2025, by the Fulani gang.
Ma’azu noted the terrorists are known to have been terrorising Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and parts of Kano state.
He also commended the troops under the Quick Response Wing of the Nigerian Air Force for restoring peace across state.
“Our troops are currently monitoring the situation for further rescue operations,” he said.