Security forces in Katsina State have reportedly killed 18 armed bandits during an intelligence-led operation in Bakori Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mua’zu, who disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday night, said the operation involved hunters, members of the state-owned Community Watch Corps and local vigilante groups.
Mua’zu, in the statement, said the operation took place at about 1am on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Gidan Iyado in Kakumi Ward of Bakori local government area.
He explained that the security personnel acted on credible intelligence about an alleged plan by the bandits to carry out a mass abduction for ransom.
He identified the leader of the group as Alhaji Musa Duki, described as a former school headmaster turned bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.
He reiterated that the security operatives recovered one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles and 14 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition following the operation.
He added that three motorcycles, two cows and 94 sheep were also recovered by the security operatives from the scene.
“In the early hours of Monday, September 21, 2026, at about 0100hrs, a joint security operation comprising hunters, members of Community Watch Corps and local vigilante groups successfully ambushed and neutralized 18 armed bandits at Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, Bakori Local Government Area.
“The operation was intelligence-driven. Acting on credible information about planned mass abduction for ransom by the criminal group, our forces laid ambush using operational assets and engaged the bandits. The criminals were led by one Alhaji Musa Duki, a former school headmaster turned bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari LGA”, he said.
According to the commissioner, no casualty was recorded among the security personnel involved in the operation.
He further disclosed that a covert operation was ongoing to track down Duki and dismantle his network, assuring residents that security forces would continue operations to clear forests and other suspected criminal hideouts.
Mua’zu commended the hunters, Community Watch Corps and vigilante members for their role in the operation, saying their collaboration demonstrated the importance of community participation in security efforts.
He also urged residents to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
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