By Joy Odor, Abuja
At least 62 kidnapped victims have regained their freedom after the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) bombed a notorious bandit camp in Jigawa Sawai, Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, a border community with Zamfara.
The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said the victims escaped after a targeted airstrike on the camp of a notorious bandit leader, Muhammadu Fulani, at about 5:10 p.m. on Saturday. The bombardment forced the criminals to flee, creating an opportunity for the captives to run for safety.
“Interviews with the rescued victims revealed that the bandits fled during the air raid, allowing about 62 persons to escape in different directions,” Mu’azu said.
According to the commissioner, 12 of the victims are currently receiving medical care at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others are being attended to at the Army Forward Operating Base in Kaiga Malamai.
Most of the escapees were abducted from Sayaya village during a night raid on August 11, allegedly carried out by Fulani’s gang, which has been terrorising Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and parts of Kano State.
In response to repeated attacks in Matazu and Bakori LGAs, the state government has deployed the Quick Response Wing of the Nigerian Air Force to bolster security in the area.
“The general security situation is calm, and troops are monitoring the situation for further rescue operations. Families will be reunited with the victims once medical examinations are completed,” the statement added.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda commended the security forces for their gallantry and reiterated his administration’s commitment to ending banditry in Katsina State.
