By: Abdullahi Inuwa
KATSINA — Security forces in Katsina State have recorded a major operational breakthrough after 18 suspected bandits were killed during an intelligence-driven ambush at Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, Bakori Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Monday, September 21, 2026, reportedly disrupted a planned mass abduction-for-ransom operation allegedly being prepared by the criminal group.
According to a statement issued by the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the operation commenced at about 1:00 a.m. following credible intelligence on the planned movement and activities of the bandits.
The joint team comprised hunters, members of the Community Watch Corps and local vigilante groups, who reportedly deployed operational assets and positioned themselves along the suspected route of the criminals.
The security forces subsequently engaged the group in an ambush, resulting in the reported neutralisation of 18 armed bandits.
The ministry identified the leader of the group as Alhaji Musa Duki, described as a former school headmaster who allegedly turned into a bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.
The authorities said the operation was part of the state’s wider strategy of combining intelligence gathering with community-based security efforts to disrupt criminal networks operating across rural communities.
Several weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and livestock were recovered following the encounter.
Items recovered at the scene included one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles and 14 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Security operatives also recovered three motorcycles, two cows and 94 sheep, believed to be among livestock allegedly rustled by the criminal group.
The ministry said no casualty was recorded among the operatives involved in the operation.
The latest development comes amid continuing efforts by the Katsina State Government and security agencies to confront banditry, kidnapping and livestock rustling, particularly in communities located close to forest corridors used by criminal groups.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu, said the operation would not be treated as an isolated action, stressing that security forces were already pursuing further intelligence to dismantle the wider network allegedly connected to the group.
He said a sustained covert operation was underway to track the identified kingpin and other members of his network.
The commissioner, speaking on behalf of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, assured residents that the state government remained committed to clearing forests and suspected criminal hideouts across the state.
According to the ministry, security forces will continue operations until criminal elements are denied the space and freedom to launch attacks against communities.
The authorities also praised the hunters, Community Watch Corps personnel and local vigilante members who participated in the operation, describing their cooperation with formal security structures as an important component of the state’s security architecture.
The ministry maintained that community-led intelligence and collaboration remain critical to preventing attacks, particularly in remote communities where residents are often the first to notice unusual movements.
It therefore urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information about suspicious activities and movements.
The government stressed that security is a collective responsibility requiring sustained cooperation between communities, local security structures and conventional security agencies.
For residents of Bakori and surrounding communities, the operation represents a significant disruption to a group allegedly preparing to carry out a large-scale kidnapping operation.
Authorities, however, indicated that the wider security operation remains ongoing, particularly around forest areas and suspected hideouts linked to the criminal network.
The Katsina Government said it would continue to support coordinated security operations aimed at protecting lives, property and rural communities across the state.
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