The Katsina State Government has confirmed that 62 kidnapped victims have regained their freedom after escaping from the camp of a notorious bandits’ kingpin, Muhammadu Fulani, in Danmusa Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, announced the development in a statement on Monday in Katsina.
According to him, the breakthrough followed a Nigerian Air Force air strike on Saturday at about 5:10 p.m. in the Jigawa-Sawai axis, near the Zamfara border. The offensive forced the bandits to flee, creating an opportunity for the captives to escape.
“During interviews with the rescued victims, it was confirmed that the bandits fled as a result of the airstrike. About 62 people escaped in different directions,” Mu’azu said.
He explained that 12 of the victims are receiving medical attention at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others are being sheltered at the Nigerian Army Forward Operational Base in Kaiga Malamai.
Most of those freed were abducted from Sayaya village during a night attack on August 11, 2025, carried out by Fulani’s gang, which has been terrorising Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and parts of neighbouring Kano State.
Mu’azu added that the government has deployed the Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Wing to restore calm in the troubled areas of Bakori and Matazu.
“Our troops are currently monitoring the situation for further rescue operations,” he said, assuring families that the victims will be reunited with their loved ones once medical checks are completed.
