At least, 62 people held hostage by bandits in Katsina State have regained their freedom after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike dislodged the gang from its hideout, the state government confirmed on Monday.

The air operation, which targeted the camp of a notorious bandit leader, Muhammadu Fulani, was carried out on Saturday evening in the Jigawa-Sawai axis of Danmusa Local Government Area, near the Zamfara border.

The strike forced the armed group to abandon their base, creating a chance for the victims to escape in different directions.

The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, said in a statement that medical and security support had been mobilised for the survivors.

According to him, 12 of the victims are receiving treatment at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others are under the care of troops at the Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base in Kaiga Malamai.

During preliminary debriefings, the freed hostages recounted that the terrorists panicked and fled when the fighter jets struck their camp.

The escapees revealed they were among dozens abducted during an August 11 night raid on Sayaya village by Fulani’s gang, which has been terrorising parts of Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and neighbouring Kano State.

The commissioner added that the government has deployed the Quick Response Wing of the NAF to Bakori and Matazu to stabilise the affected communities and prevent further attacks.

“Our troops are on ground, closely monitoring the situation for additional rescue operations. We are committed to reuniting the rescued victims with their families after necessary medical checks,” Mu’azu assured.

The incident marks one of the largest mass escapes of kidnap victims in Katsina in recent months, highlighting both the ongoing insecurity challenges and the intensified counter-terrorism efforts in the North West region.