Katsina security forces kill over 40 bandits in fierce gun battle

Security operatives in Katsina State have successfully repelled a large-scale bandit attack on Guga community in Bakori Local Government Area, killing more than 40 suspected bandits during a fierce gun battle, according to the state government.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Muazu, disclosed the development in a statement, describing the operation as a significant breakthrough in the state’s ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.

According to Muazu, the attack occurred at about 5:40 pm on Sunday, July 26, when more than 200 heavily armed bandits, reportedly led by notorious gang leader Idi Abasu Aiki and supported by members of the Ado Aleru group from neighbouring Zamfara State, stormed Guga village in what authorities described as a reprisal attack.

The commissioner said intelligence gathered before the assault enabled security forces to respond swiftly, leading to a coordinated operation that forced the attackers to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.

“During the confrontation, more than 40 bandits were killed, along with several top commanders of the criminal group,” Muazu stated.

He added that intelligence reports indicated that the attackers intended to eliminate local vigilantes and members of the Community Watch Corps protecting the area before extending their offensive to Bakori town and nearby communities.

“Thanks to improved intelligence gathering and surveillance by the state government, security forces were able to take swift coordinated action. This led to a fierce gun battle that forced the bandits to flee after suffering heavy casualties,” he said.

Muazu further revealed that nearly eight senior commanders of the criminal group were eliminated during the operation, while bandit leader Idi Abasu Aiki reportedly sustained severe gunshot injuries believed to be life-threatening.

The commissioner noted that the latest operation followed another successful security engagement on July 7, 2026, in Dawan Laila village, where the same criminal network was dealt a major blow by local vigilantes and the Community Watch Corps.

Following Sunday’s operation, security personnel launched clearance operations across the affected area to recover abandoned weapons and other items, while surveillance and patrols were intensified to prevent further attacks.

Despite the success, the operation came at a cost. Four members of the local vigilante group were killed after they were ambushed by the attackers while away from their frontline positions.

“The state government expressed deep sorrow over the death of four members of the vigilante group, who sacrificed their lives to protect their community and region,” Muazu said.

He extended the government’s condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the repose of the fallen vigilantes.

The Katsina State Government also assured residents that normalcy had returned to Guga and surrounding communities, reaffirming its commitment to working closely with security agencies to safeguard lives and property across the state.

“Peace has fully returned to the affected areas, and the government remains committed to strengthening collaboration with all security agencies to protect the lives and property of the people of Katsina State,” the commissioner affirmed.