The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has rescued 76 abducted persons, including many children, during a targeted airstrike on a notorious bandits’ camp in Kankara, Katsina State.
The operation, which was carried out on Friday evening, August 22, 2025, targeted the stronghold of a bandit leader identified as Babaro.
He is said to have masterminded the recent deadly attack on Gidan Mantau in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
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According to a press statement released on Saturday, by the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the strike was a precision raid on the Pauwa Hill camp aimed at dismantling Babaro’s criminal network.
The Commissioner for Internal Security, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed that all those abducted from the Gidan Mantau attack were among the rescued victims.
Sadly, he revealed that one child died in captivity before the operation.
“We are glad to announce that 76 persons, including women and children, were safely rescued following the successful airstrike.
“Unfortunately, we lost a child during the ordeal, but this operation marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against banditry,” Mu’azu said.
He praised the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies for their coordinated efforts, describing the raid as part of a broader plan to secure the state.
“This is not an isolated operation but part of a broader strategy to eradicate criminal hideouts and restore peace in Katsina,” he added.
The commissioner further urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces.
“We call on citizens to support security agencies with timely intelligence so that together we can end these criminal activities,” he said.
