At least 62 people, including women and children, have managed to escape from a bandits’ hideout in Katsina State following an airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force.

The rescue came on Saturday afternoon, August 16, during a search for a notorious bandit, Muhammadu Fulani, at his camp in Jigawa Sawai community, Danmusa Local Government Area.

Dr. Nasir Muazu, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said 12 of the rescued victims are receiving hospital care while 16 are still under military protection.

“The Katsina State Government confirms that 62 kidnapped people escaped after a successful Nigerian Air Force operation targeting Muhammadu Fulani’s camp in Jigawa Sawai, Danmusa Local Government Area, near Zamfara State.

“Twelve of the rescued individuals are getting treatment at Matazu General Hospital, and 16 are at the Army FOB in Kaiga Malamai.

“The airstrike, carried out at 5:10 p.m. on Saturday, forced the bandits to leave their base, which allowed the victims to escape.

“Interviews with the freed victims revealed that the bandits ran away because of the air attack. The 62 victims escaped in different directions.

“Most of the abductees were kidnapped from Sayaya village during a night raid on Monday, August 11, 2025. Fulani’s gang has been terrorizing Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and parts of Kano State.

“To tackle repeated attacks in Matazu and Bakori Local Government Areas, the state government sent the Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Wing to help restore peace in the affected communities.

“Troops are still keeping watch in the area and are ready to carry out more rescue operations if needed. The overall security situation is currently calm.

“The government assures families that the rescued individuals will be reunited with their loved ones after completing medical checks.

“The State Government, led by Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, praised the brave efforts of the security forces and confirmed its commitment to ending banditry in Katsina State.”