Security forces in Katsina State have killed 18 suspected bandits during an intelligence-led operation that foiled a planned mass kidnapping in Bakori Local Government Area.
The operation was carried out at about 1am on Monday, September 21, at Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, following intelligence that the group was planning to abduct residents for ransom.
The operation involved hunters, members of the Community Watch Corps, and local vigilante groups, who reportedly ambushed the bandits.
According to the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the group was allegedly led by Alhaji Musa Duki, a former school headmaster identified by the ministry as a bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari LGA.
Security forces recovered one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and three motorcycles. They also recovered two cows and 94 sheep suspected to have been rustled.
The ministry said no security operative was killed in the operation.
Governor Radda commended the security personnel and community-based security groups involved in the operation while assuring residents that efforts were ongoing to track the alleged kingpin and dismantle his network.
The state government also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
Leave feedback about this