Sixty-two individuals kidnapped by armed bandits in north-west Nigeria have escaped following an airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force on their captors’ camp. The raid targeted the hideout of notorious bandit leader Muhammadu Fulani in Jigawa Sawai, Katsina State.

The airstrike, carried out on Saturday evening, forced the bandits to flee, allowing the captives to break free. Twelve of the rescued individuals are receiving treatment at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others have been moved to an army forward operating base.

The victims had been taken on August 11 during a nighttime attack on Sayaya village. Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, the Katsina state commissioner for internal security, confirmed that an Air Force quick response wing has been deployed to monitor the situation and conduct further rescue operations.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda commended the security forces for their efforts and reiterated the state’s commitment to combating banditry.