Security forces comprising hunters, Community Watch Corps and local vigilante groups have neutralised 18 suspected bandits during an intelligence-led operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs said the operation was conducted at about 1:00 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, at Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, following intelligence on an alleged plan by the criminals to abduct residents for ransom.
According to the ministry, the security personnel laid an ambush and engaged the armed group, resulting in the death of 18 suspected bandits.
The ministry identified the leader of the group as Alhaji Musa Duki, whom it described as a former school headmaster turned bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.
Items recovered from the scene included one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and three motorcycles.
Security personnel also recovered two cows and 94 sheep believed to have been rustled livestock.
The ministry said no casualty was recorded among the security operatives during the operation.
It added that a covert operation was ongoing to track down Duki and dismantle his network.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mua’zu, commended the hunters, Community Watch Corps and vigilante members for their role in the operation.
He also urged residents to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information to support ongoing operations against banditry across the state. (Zagazola)
