The Nigerian Air Force rescued 76 kidnap victims, including women and children, during a weekend operation in Katsina State.
The precision strike targeted Pauwa Hill in Kankara Local Government Area, a hideout linked to gang leader Babaro, accused of a recent mosque attack in Malumfashi.
Authorities confirmed that one child died in the rescue, though other casualties among hostages or bandits remain unclear.
The raid is seen as a potential breakthrough against criminal gangs that have plagued rural communities in northwest Nigeria.
In a separate operation near the Cameroon border, the Air Force reported killing at least 35 Islamic fighters at four assembly points after intelligence indicated a planned attack on ground troops. S
pokesperson Ehimen Ejodame said the area was later secured following communication with forces on the ground.
The latest strikes form part of intensified military campaigns across the north, where officials say 592 armed militia members were killed in the past eight months, exceeding gains recorded in 2024.
