On September 21, 2026, a combined team of hunters, members of the Community Watch Corps, and local vigilance groups carried out an intelligence-driven ambush in Bakori Local Government, Katsina State, killing 18 bandits. The operation, which occurred at Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, was a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry in the state. The security operatives acted on credible intelligence that the bandits were planning a mass abduction for ransom.
Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua'zu, disclosed the details of the operation in a statement. He described the ambush as a significant success, thanks to the collaboration between security agencies and community participation. The operatives laid an ambush using operational assets and engaged the bandits, resulting in the deaths of 18 bandits.
The leader of the bandit group, identified as Alhaji Musa Duki, a former school headmaster turned bandit kingpin, reportedly operates from Mununu Forest in Faskari LG. Dr. Mua'zu stated that a sustained covert operation is ongoing to track down Duki and dismantle his network. The security forces recovered several items from the scene, including one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, and 14 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
The recovered items also included three motorcycles, two cows, and 94 sheep. Fortunately, no casualty was recorded among the security operatives during the operation. Dr. Mua'zu assured residents of the government's commitment to sustaining operations against banditry across the state.
On behalf of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, Dr. Mua'zu commended the hunters, Community Watch Corps, and local vigilance groups for their collaboration with conventional security agencies. He emphasized the importance of community participation in security and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
Dr. Mua'zu stressed that security remains a collective responsibility and encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities. The government's efforts to combat banditry have been ongoing, with a focus on community engagement and intelligence-driven operations.
The operation in Katsina State is part of a broader effort to address the issue of banditry in Nigeria. The government has been working to strengthen security and ensure the safety of residents, with a focus on collaboration between security agencies and community participation.
Key points
- The security forces killed 18 bandits while foiling a mass abduction plot in Katsina State.
- The leader of the bandit group, Alhaji Musa Duki, operates from Mununu Forest in Faskari LG.
- The operation was a result of collaboration between security agencies and community participation.
