Eighteen suspected bandits were killed during an overnight security operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, with weapons, ammunition and livestock recovered from the scene.
The operation took place at about 1am on Monday in Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward. This was after security agencies received information that the group was allegedly preparing to abduct residents and demand ransom.
The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs said the operation involved hunters, members of the Community Watch Corps and local vigilante groups. Security personnel reportedly ambushed the suspects before a gunfight broke out, leaving 18 of them dead.
The ministry named the alleged leader as Alhaji Musa Duki, a former school headmaster accused becoming a bandit commander. He is said to be operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.
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Recovered items included one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and three motorcycles. Furthermore, security personnel also found two cows and 94 sheep suspected to have been stolen by the group.
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mua’zu, said no security operative was killed. Furthermore, he said efforts were underway to track down Duki and break up his network.
Mua’zu praised the hunters, Community Watch Corps members and vigilantes who participated in the operation, and called on residents to share reliable information with security agencies.
