14 Bandits Killed as Hunters Foil Kidnap Plot in Katsina

Fourteen suspected bandits have been killed in a gun battle with community hunters after armed men attacked travellers in Gidan Wawo village, Kakumi Ward, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The Katsina State Government disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu.

According to the statement, security intelligence received at about 1:28 a.m. on October 23 indicated that 26 armed bandits riding on 13 motorcycles were heading towards Dawan Laila forest in Bakori Local Government Area.

The government said the movement was reportedly led by a suspected bandit identified as Isiya Kwashen Garwa.

Following the intelligence, security assets in the local government area were placed on alert to prevent a planned mass kidnapping in neighbouring communities.

However, at about 1:31 p.m. on the same day, reports emerged that the armed men had attacked travellers and set fire to a private vehicle belonging to a 50-year-old man, Jamilu Lawal.

Lawal was reportedly travelling with three other people from Kakumi Ward to Illela Market in Sokoto State when the attack occurred.

The statement said community hunters from Gidan Wawo were mobilised and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, resulting in the deaths of 14 suspected bandits.

However, the confrontation also claimed the life of a community hunter, 29-year-old Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda, who was killed while defending the community.

Another hunter, 25-year-old Usman Sunday, sustained minor gunshot injuries and is receiving medical treatment.

The government further disclosed that Lawal was burnt to death in the vehicle during the rescue operation, while the three other travellers were successfully rescued.

It added that intelligence reports had indicated the possibility of a reprisal attack by the surviving bandits following the casualties suffered during the confrontation.

The state government said it was working with security agencies to implement countermeasures aimed at preventing further attacks and neutralising potential threats in the affected area.

Mu’azu commended security personnel and community hunters for their courage and sacrifices in protecting residents, assuring the public that the government remained committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

He urged residents to remain calm and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.