No fewer than 60 suspected bandits, including a notorious kingpin identified as Idi Abasu Aiki, have been killed in a coordinated security operation in Katsina State.
The operation, which took place in Bakori Local Government Area, was reportedly carried out by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in collaboration with members of the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and local hunters.
According to security reports, the bandits—numbering over 200 and allegedly led by Aiki—had mobilized to launch a reprisal attack on communities in Guga village.
The planned assault was said to be in response to earlier confrontations with local security groups in Dawan Laila village, where the bandits reportedly suffered significant losses.
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However, acting on credible intelligence, security operatives laid an ambush for the armed group. The bandits were intercepted before they could carry out their attack, resulting in a fierce gun battle.
Sources revealed that over 60 of the attackers, including the kingpin and several top commanders, were neutralized during the operation. Weapons and other items were also recovered from the scene following a subsequent clearance exercise.
Despite the success of the mission, the operation recorded casualties on the side of local security forces, with four vigilantes and hunters reportedly losing their lives.
Authorities have described the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat banditry and restore peace in Katsina and neighboring states.
Security agencies have reiterated their commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks and safeguard vulnerable communities
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