Joint Security Team Kill 18 Bandits In Katsina

A joint security team has neutralized 18 suspected bandits during an intelligence-led operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, recovering firearms, motorcycles and rustled livestock.

The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued by the Commissioner, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu.

According to the ministry, the operation was carried out at about 1:00 a.m. on September 21 at Gidan Iyado in Kakumi Ward, where hunters, members of the Community Watch Corps (CWC) and local vigilantes laid an ambush for the armed group.

The ministry said the operation followed credible intelligence that the bandits were planning a mass abduction for ransom in the area.

It identified the gang as being led by Alhaji Musa Duki, described as a former school headmaster who allegedly became a notorious bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari LGA.

Security operatives recovered one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, three motorcycles, two cows and 94 sheep believed to have been rustled by the criminals.

The ministry added that no casualty was recorded among the security operatives during the encounter.

It assured residents that Governor Dikko Umaru Radda had directed sustained covert operations to track the fleeing kingpin and dismantle his criminal network.

The commissioner commended the bravery of the hunters, Community Watch Corps and vigilante members, saying their collaboration had continued to strengthen community-based security efforts across the state.

He also urged residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.