By Ameh Gabriel
In a major breakthrough against banditry, 62 kidnapped victims have regained freedom after escaping from the camp of a notorious bandit leader, Muhammadu Fulani, following a decisive airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, near the Zamfara border.
The Katsina State Government confirmed the development in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu. According to him, the victims escaped at about 5:10 p.m. on Saturday when NAF bombardments forced the bandits to abandon their hideout.
The victims, abducted from Sayaya village during a night raid on August 11, recounted how the bandits fled in disarray as the air offensive intensified, giving them the opportunity to break free.
Dr. Mu’azu disclosed that 12 of the escapees are currently receiving medical treatment at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others are under the care of security personnel at the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kaiga Malamai. He assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation and will reunite all victims with their families once medical checks are completed.
“The general security situation in the area remains calm. We commend the gallant efforts of our security forces, and the government is determined to ensure that every citizen of Katsina is safe,” he stated.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda also praised the operation, stressing that the recent deployment of the Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Wing was already yielding positive results in the fight against banditry in Matazu, Bakori, and other affected areas. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and supporting security agencies in their ongoing operations.
The successful rescue marks another milestone in the coordinated efforts to curb banditry and insurgency in Katsina and across the Northwest.
