By: Abdullahi Inuwa
One traveller burnt to death, three rescued as community hunter dies defending Bakori village
At least 14 suspected bandits have been killed in a fierce gun battle with community hunters in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, following an attempted kidnapping that left one traveller dead and a vehicle burnt.
The Katsina State Government disclosed that the confrontation occurred on Friday, October 23, 2026, in Gidan Wawo village, Kakumi Ward, after security intelligence revealed the movement of armed bandits towards Dawan Laila forest.
According to the state Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, intelligence reports received at about 1:28 a.m. indicated that 26 armed bandits, travelling on 13 motorcycles and allegedly led by one Isiya Kwashen Garwa, were heading towards the forest.
The government said security assets across Bakori Local Government Area were immediately placed on alert to prevent a planned mass kidnapping in neighbouring communities.
However, at about 1:31 p.m. on the same day, the bandits reportedly attacked a vehicle belonging to 50-year-old Jamilu Lawal, who was travelling with three other people from Kakumi Ward to Illela market in Sokoto State.
The attackers allegedly set the vehicle ablaze, triggering a swift response from community hunters in Gidan Wawo, who mobilised and engaged the gunmen in a fierce exchange of fire.
The government said the confrontation resulted in the deaths of 14 suspected bandits, effectively foiling the reported kidnapping operation.
Despite the successful resistance, the encounter claimed the lives of a community hunter and one of the travellers.
The deceased hunter, identified as Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda, 29, was killed while defending his community against the attackers.
Another hunter, Usman Sunday, 25, sustained minor gunshot injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
The government also confirmed that Jamilu Lawal was burnt to death inside the vehicle during the attack, while the three other occupants were successfully rescued.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, expressed the state government’s appreciation for the courage and sacrifice of the community hunters and security personnel involved in the operation.
Mu’azu, however, warned that intelligence reports had indicated the possibility of a reprisal attack by the armed group following the heavy casualties it reportedly suffered.
He said the state government was working with relevant security agencies to implement countermeasures aimed at preventing further attacks and neutralising emerging threats in the area.
The commissioner assured residents that the government remained committed to protecting lives and property across Katsina State.
He urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent further criminal activities.
The latest incident underscores the continuing security challenges facing communities in parts of Katsina State, where collaboration between formal security agencies and local hunters has become an important component of efforts to repel armed attacks and protect vulnerable residents.
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