The Nigerian Air Force has carried out an air strike on a suspected bandit stronghold in Katsina State.

KATSINA, Nigeria, The Nigerian Air Force has carried out an air strike on a suspected bandit stronghold in Katsina State, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The operation, which targeted Pauwa Hill in Kankara Local Government Area, was launched as part of an ongoing manhunt for a notorious gang leader, known as Babaro, who has been linked to last week’s deadly attack on a mosque in Malumfashi.

According to the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security, one child lost his life during the rescue operation. It remains unclear whether other casualties occurred among the abducted victims or members of the criminal gang.

Efforts to reach the Air Force for further details were unsuccessful as calls and messages to its spokesperson went unanswered.

Security analysts say the strike could represent a significant step forward in the government’s campaign to dismantle armed groups that have plagued northwestern Nigeria, where rural communities continue to live under the threat of kidnappings and deadly raids.