The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has raided the enclave of a notorious bandit leader, Babaro, at Pauwa Hill in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State and rescued 76 hostages.
This was contained in a statement issued to journalists on Saturday by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu.
According to the statement, Babaro and his accomplices masterminded the attack on Mantau community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of the state, which claimed over 50 lives.
Mu’azu explained that the 76 rescued kidnapped victims included those who were abducted during the attack on a mosque in the Mantau community.
The statement read: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has struck again in its ongoing manhunt for the notorious bandit kingpin Babaro and his gang—the masterminds behind the recent deadly attack on Gidan Mantau in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
“This morning, the NAF carried out a decisive air operation at Pauwa Hill in Kankara Local Government Area, successfully rescuing 76 kidnapped victims, including women and children.
“The precision air interdiction, conducted between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., specifically targeted Babaro’s stronghold at Pauwa Hill—one of his most notorious bases that has long been a source of terror to surrounding communities.
“Confirming the development, the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs revealed that the rescued victims included all those abducted during the attack on Unguwan Mantau in Malumfashi. However, it was regrettably noted that one child tragically lost his life during the ordeal.”
Mua’zu said the rescue of the kidnapped victims underscores the effectiveness of “coordinated air and ground operations, as security forces intensify their efforts to flush out bandits and restore confidence among the people.”
He, however, reiterated the state government’s continued support to security agencies through logistics, intelligence-sharing and community engagement “until banditry is completely eradicated.”
He called on citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely information that could assist security agencies in their ongoing operations.
“With the bravery of our forces and the resilience of our people, Katsina will overcome these enemies of peace and achieve lasting stability”, he added.
Francis Sardauna
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