At least 62 people who had been held captive by bandits have regained their freedom after the Nigerian Air Force bombarded a criminal hideout in Jigawa Sawai, a community in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday. He revealed that 12 of the freed victims were receiving treatment at Matazu General Hospital, while another 16 were being held at the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kaiga Malamai.
“The Katsina State Government has confirmed the dramatic escape of 62 kidnapped victims following a manhunt of a notorious bandit, Muhammadu Fulani, by the Nigerian Air Force that successfully struck his camp located in Jigawa Sawai of Danmusa Local Government Area. A community bordering Zamfara State.
“The Air Force operation, conducted on Saturday at 05:10 pm, 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,” the statement partly read.
According to the government, most of those rescued had been abducted from Sayaya village during a night raid on August 11, 2025, by the gang linked to Muhammadu Fulani, which has been behind several attacks across Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and even parts of neighboring Kano.
In response to the frequent assaults in Matazu and Bakori, the state said it had stationed the Quick Response Wing of the Nigerian Air Force to stabilize the area and deter further incursions. Officials added that the situation was now calm, with troops closely monitoring events to enable further rescue missions.
“We wish to assure families that the government will reunite the rescued victims with their loved ones after completing necessary medical examinations.
“In the same vein, the state government under the leadership of Malam Dikko Radda commended the gallantry efforts of our security forces and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending banditry in the state,” the statement added.
Katsina State has seen repeated bandit attacks in recent years. In May, gunmen stormed Gobirawa Community in Kuki ward, Dutsinma LGA, killing 19 residents in a late-night assault. The attackers, armed with rifles and other dangerous weapons, were reported to have come from the Danmusa forest, opening fire indiscriminately and leaving several others missing.
