In a daring overnight operation, the Nigerian military launched precision airstrikes near Pauwa Hill in Katsina State, successfully freeing 76 hostages — including women and children — who had been held captive by armed bandits. Tragically, one child died during the rescue mission, leaving a bittersweet note on what was otherwise a major victory against criminal gangs terrorizing communities in the northwest.
According to a statement from the Nigerian Air Force, intelligence reports revealed the exact location of the captives, who were being held in a remote enclave near Kankara Local Government Area. Fighter jets and ground troops worked in a coordinated strike to neutralize the gang members while ensuring the safety of the hostages. Witnesses reported hearing heavy gunfire and explosions as the military advanced into the dense forest where the victims were hidden. By dawn, the captives had been moved to a safe location for medical evaluation and debriefing. “This mission demonstrates our commitment to ending the reign of terror inflicted by these criminals,” said an Air Force spokesperson.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the children who tragically lost their lives.” This latest operation comes on the heels of a series of violent attacks in Katsina, including the recent massacre of over 50 worshippers at a mosque in Unguwan Mantau. Officials believe the same group of militants was behind both the mosque attack and multiple kidnappings in nearby villages. Security experts say the Pauwa Hill rescue shows a significant boost in military intelligence and tactical coordination — a shift many Nigerians have been demanding in the fight against kidnapping and banditry. For the rescued families, the mission brought immense relief but also lingering trauma. Many victims had been held for weeks in harsh conditions, with little food or water, while their captors demanded hefty ransoms that most families could not afford.
“We prayed every day for their safety,” said a father whose wife and two children were among the rescued. “Now that they are back, we thank God and the soldiers who risked their lives.” Counseling and medical support are now being provided to survivors as authorities work to reunite them with their communities. The northwest and north-central regions of Nigeria have been battling escalating violence driven by armed gangs — locally referred to as bandits — and, in some areas, jihadist fighters. These groups exploit weak security systems, poor rural infrastructure, and limited government presence to carry out kidnappings, extortion, and deadly attacks. Data from security analysts shows that hundreds of civilians have been abducted in 2025 alone, while thousands have been displaced from their homes. Authorities have vowed to continue their offensive against the groups responsible, with promises of sustained aerial and ground operations in Katsina and neighboring states. However, experts warn that military action alone won’t solve the crisis.
They are calling for better rural policing, stronger community-level intelligence sharing, and socioeconomic investments to address poverty and unemployment fueling the violence. The Pauwa Hill rescue is being celebrated as a tactical victory for Nigeria’s armed forces and a glimmer of hope for families still living under the shadow of fear. But as long as insecurity persists, communities across the region remain vulnerable. The challenge now lies in building on this success to ensure safety, justice, and lasting peace for all affected areas.