An underage victim has been reported dead while 76 others were successfully rescued as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) sustained its offensive against the notorious bandit kingpin Babaro and his gang, the masterminds of the recent deadly attack on Gidan Mantau Community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, revealed that NAF executed a major air raid at Pauwa Hill in Kankara Local Government Area. The strike, carried out between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., targeted Babaro’s base of operations, which has long been a hub of terror for neighboring communities.
According to the Commissioner, the precision strike resulted in the rescue of 76 kidnapped victims, including women and children, who had been abducted during the attack on Unguwar Mantau in Malumfashi. Sadly, one child lost his life during the operation.
Dr. Mu’azu noted that the development signals renewed momentum in security operations across Katsina State. He explained that the air interdiction forms part of a broader security strategy aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts, crippling bandit networks, and bringing an end to the persistent killings, abductions, and extortion that have destabilized local communities.
Highlighting the importance of the rescue mission, the Commissioner emphasized that the success demonstrates the effectiveness of joint air and ground offensives. Security forces, he said, are determined to flush out criminal elements and restore peace to Katsina and beyond.
In his statement, Dr. Mu’azu added:
“The Katsina State Government, through the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, commends the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Army, and all security agencies for their courage and professionalism in this fight. Their sacrifices are steadily reclaiming Katsina’s towns and villages from the grip of criminals.
“We reaffirm our continued support through logistics, intelligence-sharing, and community engagement, ensuring these efforts are sustained until banditry is completely eradicated.
“We also call on citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely information that can assist ongoing security operations. With the bravery of our forces and the resilience of our people, Katsina will overcome these enemies of peace and achieve lasting stability.”
What you should know
Babaro, the feared bandit leader in Katsina, has been responsible for several violent attacks and mass kidnappings across the state.
The latest NAF operation at Pauwa Hill dealt a significant blow to his operations, rescuing 76 abducted victims. Although one child was lost, the raid signals renewed determination by security agencies to weaken criminal gangs and restore confidence in the affected communities.
Katsina State Government has pledged continuous support for security forces through intelligence and logistics, as joint air and ground offensives intensify against bandits threatening peace in the region.
