The governor of Katsina State, Dr. Dikko Radda, has expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Military, Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilance groups for thwarting a mass kidnapping attempt by bandits in Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, Bakori Local Government Area. The operation, which was intelligence-led, resulted in the neutralization of 18 armed bandits. The criminals, led by a former school headmaster turned bandit kingpin, had planned to abduct residents for ransom.
According to the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’su, the security forces recovered several arms and rustled livestock during the operation. The recovered items include one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three motorcycles, two cows, and 94 sheep. The operation was a collaborative effort between the military, DSS, and vigilance groups, who worked together to lay an ambush and engage the bandits.
The bandits were led by Alhaji Musa Duki, a former school headmaster who had become a bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari LGA. The governor commended the gallantry of the security forces and assured residents that a sustained covert operation is ongoing to track and neutralize the kingpin and dismantle his network completely.
Dr. Radda emphasized that the government will not relent until every forest and hideout is cleared of bandits. Efforts are ongoing by the military and the DSS to identify other members of the network, locate their hideouts, and thwart further kidnapping operations in Bakori, Faskari, and neighboring communities.
The Katsina State government has been working to address the issue of banditry in the state, with a focus on improving security and protecting residents. The governor's commendation of the security forces is seen as a boost to their morale and a demonstration of the government's commitment to tackling the problem.
The operation in Gidan Iyado is the latest in a series of efforts by the security forces to combat banditry in Katsina State. The state has been plagued by bandit attacks in recent years, with many residents affected by the violence and kidnappings.
The governor's assurance that the government will continue to work to neutralize the bandit kingpin and his network is a welcome development for residents of Katsina State. The government's efforts to improve security and protect residents are ongoing, with a focus on collaboration between the military, DSS, and local vigilance groups.
Key points
- The Katsina State governor commended the security forces for their role in foiling a mass kidnapping attempt and killing 18 bandits.
- The bandits were led by a former school headmaster turned bandit kingpin, Alhaji Musa Duki.
- The government has assured residents that a sustained covert operation is ongoing to track and neutralize the kingpin and dismantle his network.
