SECURITY FORCES KILL 18 SUSPECTED BANDITS, STOP PLANNED MASS KIDNAP IN KATSINA

Security forces in Katsina State have foiled an alleged plan by a group of bandits to carry out a mass kidnapping in Bakori Local Government Area, killing 18 suspected members of the group during an intelligence-led operation. The operation took place at about 1am on Monday, September 21, at Gidan Iyado in Kakumi Ward, after security authorities received information that the group was preparing to abduct residents and demand ransom. The operation involved personnel from the military, Department of State Services, hunters, Community Watch Corps and local vigilante groups.

According to the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mua’su, the security personnel acted on credible intelligence and positioned themselves to intercept the suspected kidnappers before they could execute their plan. The forces subsequently laid an ambush and engaged the group, resulting in the reported death of 18 suspected bandits. The operation was described by the state government as part of ongoing efforts to combine intelligence gathering with community-based security structures to prevent attacks on rural communities.

The commissioner identified the alleged leader of the group as Alhaji Musa Duki, whom authorities described as a former school headmaster who later became a bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area. Security personnel recovered three firearms from the operation, comprising one G3 rifle and two AK-47 rifles, along with 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Three motorcycles were also recovered from the scene after the encounter with the suspected criminal group.

In addition to the weapons and motorcycles, the security forces recovered livestock believed to have been rustled by the group. The items included two cows and 94 sheep. The authorities said the operation had disrupted the planned mass abduction and was part of broader efforts to weaken criminal networks operating in Bakori, Faskari and neighbouring communities. Security agencies are also continuing efforts to identify other members of the network and locate hideouts linked to the group.

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, commended the military, DSS and community-based security groups involved in the operation for preventing the planned attack. He assured residents that security operations would continue until criminal hideouts and forest routes used by bandit groups were cleared. Authorities said further operations were underway to track other members of the network and prevent additional kidnapping attempts in affected communities.