40 Suspected Bandits, 4 Vigilantes Killed As Security Forces Repel Attack In Katsina

Over 40 suspected bandits have been killed after security operatives repelled an attack on the Guga community in the Bakori local government area of Katsina State.

Four members of the local vigilantes also lost their lives in the attack.

The Katsina State commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasi Mu’azu, stated this yesterday.

He said the operation followed a coordinated response by security personnel to an attack launched on Sunday evening.

According to the commissioner, over 200 heavily armed bandits, led by notorious kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki and supported by members of the Ado Aleru group from neighbouring Zamfara State, invaded the community in what he described as a reprisal attack.

Mu’azu stated that intelligence reports indicated that the attackers planned to wipe out local vigilantes and members of the Community Watch Corps protecting the area before extending their assault to Bakori town and surrounding communities.

He said the state government’s intelligence gathering and surveillance enabled security forces to respond swiftly, leading to a fierce gun battle that forced the attackers to retreat.

More than 40 bandits were killed during the operation, including nearly eight top commanders of the criminal group. Intelligence also indicates that bandit leader Idi Abasu Aiki sustained serious gunshot wounds believed to be life-threatening, the commissioners said.

He noted that the latest operation followed an earlier security success on 7th July, when the same criminal group reportedly suffered heavy losses during an operation at Dawan Laila village in Bakori local government area.

According to him, the recent attack was an attempt by the bandits to recover from their previous defeat and dismantle the community security network established by the state government. Mu’azu said the security forces have commenced clearance operations in the area to recover weapons and other items abandoned by the fleeing attackers. At the same time, surveillance and patrols have been intensified to prevent further attacks.

Despite the success, the commissioner confirmed that four members of the local vigilante group were killed after they were ambushed while away from their frontline positions, running errands.

He described the slain vigilantes as heroes who sacrificed their lives in defence of their communities and conveyed the condolences of the Katsina State Government to their families.