In a decisive operation over Katsina State’s Pauwa Hill near Kankara, the Nigerian Air Force carried out a precision airstrike on Saturday that successfully freed 76 abducted individuals, including women and children.
This bold move targeted a bandit stronghold believed to be under the control of the notorious kingpin known as Babaro.
The rescued group included victims from the horrific mosque attack in Unguwan Mantau, Malumfashi, where armed bandits brutally killed over 50 worshippers during dawn prayers and abducted several more. Tragically, despite the success of the mission, one child lost their life during the rescue.
Simultaneously, separate airstrikes carried out in the region resulted in the deaths of at least 35 militant fighters. These coordinated efforts are part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal hideouts, weaken the operational networks of violent gangs, and bring an end to the cycles of killings, kidnappings, and extortion plaguing local communities.
The Katsina State Government, through the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, praised the Nigerian Air Force, in concert with the Army and allied security agencies, for their professionalism and courage. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting these efforts through enhanced logistics, intelligence sharing, and community engagement, underscoring an unwavering determination to restore safety and confidence in affected areas.
Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant and to provide timely, actionable information to security forces to sustain and amplify the success of ongoing operations.
