Katsina State Government has confirmed the escape of 62 kidnapped victims after Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike on a notorious bandit camp in Jigawa Sawai, Danmusa Local Government Area, on Saturday evening.

The camp, run by wanted kingpin Muhammadu Fulani, came under heavy bombardment at about 5:10 p.m., forcing the criminals to flee and creating an opening for the captives to escape in different directions.

Twelve of the victims are currently receiving treatment at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 are being cared for at the Army Forward Operating Base in Kaiga Malamai.

Authorities said the victims, mostly abducted during an August 11 night raid on Sayaya village, had been held in harsh conditions by Fulani’s gang, which has terrorised parts of Katsina and Kano States.

Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, said the deployment of the Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Wing has helped restore calm in the troubled areas.

He assured that families would soon be reunited with their loved ones once medical checks were completed.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda commended the gallantry of security forces and reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to end banditry across the state.