AIRSTRIKE FREES 76 – Nigerian Military Rescues Hostages from Bandits

The Nigerian military launched a major airstrike operation in Katsina State, freeing 76 hostages — including several women and children — from heavily armed bandits who had been holding them in a remote forested area near Pauwa Hill in the Kankara region.

The high-risk mission comes in the wake of rising violence in the northwest, including a recent brutal attack at a mosque in Unguwan Mantau that left over 50 worshippers dead.

Military sources confirmed that the hostages were rescued during a coordinated airstrike mission, backed by ground intelligence. During the operation, the hostages were extracted from a known bandit stronghold, where they were believed to have been held for days under extreme conditions. Sadly, one child reportedly died during the rescue effort, marking a tragic loss amid the breakthrough.

In a separate set of strikes, Nigerian forces neutralized 35 militants in targeted bombings of criminal hideouts in the same region. These actions are part of the military’s broader push to eliminate insurgents, kidnappers, and extortionists who have made rural communities unsafe and have driven thousands from their homes.

The northwest and central states in Nigeria remain hotspots of violent conflict, with heavily armed gangs terrorizing villagers, blocking roadways, and carrying out mass abductions for ransom. Despite several crackdowns in recent months, many communities remain vulnerable, and the military has ramped up surveillance and combat efforts.

Security officials say the recent airstrike success is part of an intensified campaign to dismantle armed groups, recover hostages, and reclaim control of lawless zones. The country continues to face the long-term challenge of restoring order and protecting civilians, especially in rural regions where government presence is limited.

The rescue is seen as a win, but the fight continues.