Five kidnap victims have successfully escaped captivity following an airstrike by the Nigerian military’s Operation FANSAN YAMMA, targeting bandit hideouts near Babare Hills in Katsina State.
The operation, under the Northwest’s Operation FARAUTAR MUJIYA, reportedly struck the bandits’ enclave, causing significant casualties and providing an opportunity for the captives to flee.
Security expert Zagazola Makama shared on Monday that the freed individuals—Musa Umar (45), Alhaji Hassan Dando (47), Saminu Ali (35), Yasir Salisu (15), and Muhammad Buhari (17)—were abducted in early October from Jibia’s Bachaka quarters and Lankwasau village.
One of the escapees, Musa Umar, recounted the impact of the airstrike, noting it created an opening for five of them to break free.
Four of the freed captives reached an army Forward Operating Base in Faru, from where they were transferred to the Jibia Army Camp for further assistance.
Despite this successful escape, approximately 30 individuals remain in captivity at Babare Hills, still restrained by chains that hinder their escape.
