Katsina Gov Lauds DSS, Military For Foiling Mass Kidnap, Neutralising 18 Bandits

Katsina State governor, Dr Dikko Radda has commended the military, Department of State Services (DSS) and vigilantes for foiling a planned mass kidnapping in Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, Bakori local government area of the state.

The operation, which was carried out on Monday following intelligence on a planned attack, reportedly resulted in the neutralisation of 18 armed bandits and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, motorcycles and rustled livestock.

The state commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Dr Nasir Mua’su, disclosed this in a statement, saying security operatives acted on credible intelligence about plans by the criminal group to abduct residents for ransom.

According to him, the security forces deployed operational assets and laid an ambush for the bandits before engaging them.

He identified the leader of the group as Alhaji Musa Duki, a former school headmaster allegedly turned bandit kingpin, who is said to operate from Mununu Forest in Faskari LGA.

The commissioner said the operation led to the recovery of one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and three motorcycles.

Security personnel also recovered two cows and 94 sheep believed to have been rustled by the group.

Radda, according to the statement, commended the security forces for their response, while assuring residents that efforts were continuing to dismantle the criminal network responsible for attacks in the area.

He said a sustained covert operation was underway to track the alleged kingpin and other members of his network, as well as identify their hideouts.

“We will not relent until every forest and hideout is cleared,” the governor was quoted as saying.

The commissioner further disclosed that the military and DSS were working to identify other members of the network, locate their operational bases and prevent further kidnapping attempts in Bakori, Faskari and neighbouring communities.

He said the latest operation formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen intelligence-led security operations and protect communities vulnerable to banditry and kidnapping in the state.