The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) obliterated the stronghold of notorious bandit leader Babaro at Pauwa Hill, Kankara Local Government Area, Katsina State, in a precision air strike conducted between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday.
The operation rescued 76 kidnapped victims, including women and children, the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs confirmed in a statement on Saturday.
The rescued individuals included all those abducted during a recent attack on Unguwan Mantau in Malumfashi Local Government Area. Tragically, one child lost his life during the ordeal, the ministry noted.
Babaro and his gang have been linked to a string of deadly attacks and abductions across Katsina, including recent killings in Gidan Mantau. The ministry hailed the operation as “a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry,” emphasizing the success of coordinated air and ground efforts. “The rescue of the kidnapped victims underscores the effectiveness of coordinated air and ground operations,” the statement read.
The Katsina State Government commended the NAF, Nigerian Army, and other security agencies for their professionalism and sacrifices in dismantling criminal networks. It vowed to sustain support through logistics, intelligence-sharing, and community engagement, while urging residents to stay vigilant and provide timely information to bolster security operations.