62 Hostages Escape As Military Bombs Bandits’ Hideouts

Scores of bandits hibernating in some enclaves situated at Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, have fled their hideouts following military airstrikes.

This is just as 62 hostages abducted by the criminals, and have been in the bush for more than one month, took to their heels upon realising that their abductors had fled.

It was learnt that both the air and land troops jointly combed the location — a community bordering Zamfara State on Saturday at about 5:15pm.

Confirming the development, both authorities of the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs in Katsina State disclosed that 12 of the escaped victims are currently receiving medical attention at Matazu General Hospital.

Katsina State government, in a statement shared with journalists in Abuja by the NAF, said majority of the victims were abducted from Sayaya village during a night attack last week Monday.

The statement, signed by Nasir Mu’azu, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, noted that “Quick Response Wing of the Nigerian Air Force” has been deployed to some troubled communities in both Matazu and Bakori LGAs.

He said, “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 has successful strike on his camp located in Jigawa Sawai of Danmusa Local Government Area, a community bordering Zamfara State.

“It is noteworthy that 12 of the escaped victims are currently receiving medical attention at Matazu General Hospital. While 16 are waiting at the Army FOB in Kaiga Malamai.

“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 airstrikes. The victims revealed that about 62 people escaped and took off in different directions.

“The majority of the victims were abducted from Sayaya village during a night attack on Monday, August 11, 2025, by Filani’s gang, which has been terrorising Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and parts of Kano State.

“Responding to the persistent bandit attacks in Matazu and Bakori Local Government Areas, the state government has deployed the Quick Response Wing of the Nigerian Air Force to restore peace to the troubled communities.”

Daily Trust