On September 21, 2026, a joint operation in Katsina State resulted in the killing of 18 armed bandits and the foiling of a planned mass kidnapping. The operation, which took place at 1am in Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, involved the military, Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes. According to the state Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the joint effort was in response to intelligence about a planned mass abduction for ransom.
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mua’su, described the operation as intelligence-driven. He stated that the forces laid an ambush using operational assets and engaged the bandits, resulting in the neutralization of 18 bandits. The commissioner identified the alleged leader of the group as Alhaji Musa Duki, a former school headmaster turned bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.
During the operation, 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 believed to have been rustled by the criminals. The recovered items suggest that the bandits were involved in multiple crimes, including kidnapping and livestock theft.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, commended the security personnel for their gallantry and assured residents that operations would continue to dismantle the criminal network. The governor's commendation highlights the state's efforts to tackle banditry and protect communities across Katsina State. The operation is seen as a major breakthrough in the state's fight against banditry.
The state government has assured residents that a sustained covert operation is ongoing to track and neutralize the kingpin and dismantle his network completely. According to Mua’su, the military and DSS are working to identify other members of the network, locate their hideouts, and prevent further kidnapping attacks in Bakori, Faskari, and neighbouring communities.
The joint operation involved hunters, members of the Community Watch Corps, and local vigilante groups, who ambushed the bandits following intelligence about a planned mass abduction for ransom. The involvement of local vigilantes and hunters highlights the importance of community participation in the fight against banditry.
The state government described the operation as a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to tackle banditry and protect communities across Katsina State. The government has vowed to continue operations until every forest and hideout is cleared of bandits. Key efforts are focused on identifying and neutralizing the kingpin and dismantling his network.
Key points
- Governor Dikko Radda commends security personnel for their role in foiling mass kidnapping and neutralising 18 bandits.
- The operation was intelligence-driven and involved a joint effort by the military, DSS, and local vigilantes.
- A sustained covert operation is ongoing to track and neutralize the kingpin and dismantle his network.
