Security forces have killed 18 suspected bandits and recovered firearms, ammunition and 96 livestock during an operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation took place at about 1am on Monday, September 21, at Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, following intelligence that the group was preparing to abduct residents for ransom.
Hunters, members of the Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes were involved in the operation, according to the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.
The ministry said the security team laid an ambush for the suspected bandits and engaged them in a gun battle, resulting in the deaths of 18 members of the group.
It identified Alhaji Musa Duki as the alleged leader of the gang and described him as a former school headmaster who later became a bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.
The operation yielded 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.
No security operative was killed in the operation, the ministry said.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mua’zu, said a covert operation was underway to locate Duki and dismantle his network.
He commended the hunters, Community Watch Corps members and vigilantes involved in the operation and urged residents to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information.
The state government said security operations against criminal groups would continue in Bakori and other affected areas.
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