Security forces comprising hunters, members of the Community Watch Corps and local vigilante groups have killed 18 suspected bandits during an intelligence-led operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation took place at about 1:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Gidan Iyado in Kakumi Ward, following intelligence that the armed group was planning a mass abduction for ransom.
According to the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the security personnel ambushed the bandits and engaged them in a gun battle, killing 18 members of the group.
The ministry identified the suspected leader of the group as Alhaji Musa Duki, described as a former school headmaster who allegedly became a bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in neighbouring Faskari Local Government Area.
Recovered during the operation were one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, three motorcycles, two cows and 94 sheep.
The ministry said none of the security personnel involved in the operation was injured or killed.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, said a covert operation was ongoing to track down the alleged kingpin and dismantle his network.
He said the state government, under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, would continue supporting security operations aimed at clearing criminal hideouts across the state.
Mu’azu commended the hunters, Community Watch Corps and vigilante groups for their role in the operation and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
