The Nigerian Air Force has launched a precision strike on a notorious bandit enclave in Katsina State, rescuing 76 kidnap victims, including women and children, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The raid, carried out on Pauwa Hill in Kankara Local Government Area, targeted the hideout of a feared gang leader known as Babaro, who is believed to have masterminded several attacks, including the recent assault on Gidan Mantau in Malumfashi LGA.
Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, said the operation marked a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry.
“This morning, the Nigerian Air Force carried out a decisive air operation on Pauwa Hill, successfully rescuing 76 kidnapped victims, among them women and children. Sadly, one child lost his life during the ordeal,” Mu’azu stated.
He explained that those abducted during the Gidan Mantau attack were among the freed hostages, noting that the strike was carefully executed between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
According to the commissioner, the airstrike dismantled one of Babaro’s most fortified bases, long considered a source of fear for residents in surrounding communities.
“The rescue underscores the effectiveness of coordinated air and ground operations. This is a significant step in dismantling criminal hideouts, disrupting bandit networks, and ending the cycle of killings and abductions,” he added.
The Katsina government commended the NAF, Nigerian Army, and other security agencies for what it described as an act of professionalism and courage.
“We remain committed to providing security agencies with logistics, intelligence, and community support until banditry is completely eradicated from Katsina,” Mu’azu assured.
Residents were also urged to remain alert and share timely information with security operatives to ensure the ongoing clearance of criminal groups across the state.
