By Gabriel Ameh
Security forces in Katsina State have killed 18 suspected bandits during an intelligence-led operation that reportedly foiled a planned mass abduction in Bakori Local Government Area.
The operation was carried out at about 1 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Gidan Iyado in Kakumi Ward, following intelligence about an alleged plan to abduct residents for ransom, according to the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.
The operation involved hunters, members of the Community Watch Corps and local vigilante groups. The security personnel reportedly laid an ambush for the armed group and engaged them in a gun battle.
The ministry said 18 suspected members of the group were killed during the encounter, while no casualty was recorded among the security personnel.
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According to the ministry, the group was allegedly led by Alhaji Musa Duki, whom it described as a former school headmaster who later became a suspected bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.
Security personnel recovered one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and three motorcycles from the scene.
They also recovered 96 livestock comprising two cows and 94 sheep, which the authorities said were suspected to have been rustled.
The Katsina State Ministry said a covert operation was ongoing to track Duki and dismantle his alleged criminal network.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mua’zu, commended the hunters, Community Watch Corps members and vigilantes for their role in the operation.
He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts to tackle banditry and prevent further attacks across the state.
The latest operation comes amid continued security operations targeting armed groups and kidnapping networks in Bakori, Faskari and neighbouring communities.
