At least 62 people kidnapped by armed bandits in Katsina State have made what authorities described as a “dramatic escape” after a Nigerian Air Force strike on their captors’ hideout forced the gang to flee in disarray.
The state’s commissioner for internal security, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed the escape on Monday, saying the air raid on Saturday evening hit the camp of a notorious bandit leader, Muhammadu Fulani, in Jigawa Sawai, Danmusa local government area, near the Zamfara border.
“Following the successful strike, the bandits fled their stronghold, creating the opportunity for the mass escape,” Mu’azu said.
Out of the 62 who broke free, 12 are receiving treatment at Matazu General Hospital, and 16 others are under the care of soldiers at an army forward operating base in Kaiga Malamai, according to the commissioner.
Interviews with survivors revealed that many had been abducted in an August 11 night-time raid on Sayaya village by Fulani’s gang, which has continued to terrorise communities in Katsina, Kano, and neighbouring states.
The state government has since deployed a Quick Response Wing of the Air Force to the Matazu and Bakori areas to stabilise the region and support further rescue operations, while troops remain on the ground to monitor the situation.
