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BREAKING NEWS: 62 Hostages Escape as Nigerian Air Force Bombs Bandit Hideout in Katsina
Katsina, Nigeria — A daring military operation has led to the dramatic escape of 62 kidnapped victims from the clutches of armed bandits in Katsina State. The victims broke free on Saturday evening after the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) launched a precision airstrike on a notorious criminal hideout in Jigawa Sawai, Danmusa Local Government Area, located along the troubled Katsina–Zamfara axis.
According to security reports obtained by DocuNews Central, the operation was executed around 5:10 p.m., targeting a camp linked to the dreaded bandit kingpin, Muhammadu Fulani. The air raid reportedly caught the criminals off guard, causing panic and confusion within the camp. In the chaos that followed, dozens of abductees—men, women, and children—seized the opportunity to flee into nearby villages where they were later rescued by troops and local vigilantes.
A Major Victory in the Fight Against Banditry
Military insiders described the operation as part of an ongoing offensive under Operation Hadarin Daji, a large-scale campaign aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating in the North-West. The airstrike, they said, was based on credible intelligence indicating that hostages were being held in the Jigawa Sawai camp, which also served as a logistics hub for weapons and stolen cattle.
“This is a significant breakthrough,” a senior military officer told DocuNews Central on condition of anonymity. “Not only did we disrupt their stronghold, but we were also able to secure the freedom of innocent Nigerians who had been suffering in captivity. Our troops are still combing the forest to apprehend the fleeing terrorists.”
The Escape and Rescue Effort
Eyewitnesses in nearby communities recounted the harrowing but miraculous escape. Villagers in Danmusa reported seeing frightened men, women, and children running into the town after the air raid. Some were barefoot, weak, and visibly traumatized.
“I saw them running, some crying, some too weak to even stand,” said a farmer who asked not to be named. “The soldiers quickly moved in, gave them water, and took them to safety.”
Authorities confirmed that while many of the victims were taken into protective custody, 12 were rushed to Matazu General Hospital with injuries ranging from dehydration to gunshot wounds. Another 16 are being cared for at the Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kaiga Malamai, where they are receiving food, medical attention, and psychological counseling.
Profiles of the Victims
Among the escapees are women who were abducted while farming, children taken during school raids, and traders kidnapped along highways. Some had spent weeks in captivity, while others were believed to have been held for several months.
One survivor, speaking briefly under medical care, expressed gratitude through tears: “We thought we would die in that place… but God used the Air Force to rescue us. We thank the soldiers.”
Targeting Bandit Kingpins
The airstrike specifically targeted assets linked to Muhammadu Fulani, a feared warlord who has been on the radar of Nigerian security agencies for years. Fulani’s group is notorious for mass kidnappings, cattle rustling, and extortion across Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna states.
Though it remains unclear if Fulani himself was killed or injured in the raid, security sources say his network has been significantly weakened. Local vigilante leaders also reported seeing fighters fleeing deep into the forests, abandoning weapons and supplies.
Community Relief and Joy
In Danmusa and neighboring towns, news of the hostages’ escape spread like wildfire, sparking celebration and relief. Many families rushed to security posts and hospitals hoping to reunite with missing loved ones.
A local leader, Alhaji Musa Danladi, told DocuNews Central: “We have suffered so much under these criminals. Today, we thank God and the Nigerian military for bringing joy back to our community. The fight is not over, but this is a big step forward.”
Experts React
Security analysts say the operation underscores the importance of intelligence-led warfare in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and banditry.
Dr. Kabiru Hassan, a defense analyst, noted: “This mission shows that precise strikes can weaken bandit structures and save lives. However, follow-up operations are crucial to ensure these gangs don’t regroup in other areas.”
He also stressed the need for better rehabilitation programs for rescued victims, many of whom suffer long-term trauma after captivity.
The Road Ahead
Despite this success, authorities warn that the battle against banditry is far from over. Katsina and Zamfara remain flashpoints of kidnappings-for-ransom, with dozens of villages repeatedly attacked. The military has pledged to sustain its offensive until the region is fully secured.
For now, the escape of 62 hostages offers hope to thousands of families still waiting for their loved ones to return.
At DocuNews Central, we remain committed to bringing you accurate, human-centered reporting on critical national issues. We will continue to track the aftermath of this rescue, the condition of the victims, and the government’s next moves in the fight to restore peace to Katsina and the wider North-West.
Stay with DocuNews Central for more verified updates.
