The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has rescued 76 kidnapped victims but confirmed the death of a child during an air strike on the hideout of notorious bandit leader Babaro in Katsina State.
Dr Nasir Mu’azu, Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, announced on Saturday that the operation took place between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Pauwa Hill, Kankara Local Government Area—one of Babaro’s main strongholds.
The victims, mostly women and children, were abducted during last week’s deadly attack on Unguwar Mantau in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Mr Mu’azu said the precision strike reflected the renewed momentum of military operations aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts, weakening their networks, and ending the cycle of killings, kidnappings, and extortion.
He commended the Nigerian Air Force, Army, and other security agencies for their professionalism and sacrifices, stressing that coordinated air and ground offensives were steadily reclaiming communities from bandits.
The State Government pledged continued support through logistics, intelligence-sharing, and community engagement, while urging residents to remain vigilant and provide information to aid ongoing operations.