Bandit Kingpin, 60 others dead as DSS, vigilante foil bloody Katsina attack

More than 60 suspected bandits, including a notorious kingpin identified as Idi Abasu Aiki, were reportedly killed during an intelligence-led security operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, following what authorities described as a planned reprisal attack on communities in the area.

The development was reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to the report, the operation was carried out by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, with support from members of the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and specially trained local hunters.

Makama reported that the operation targeted more than 200 armed bandits allegedly led by Idi Abasu Aiki, who was said to be linked to several attacks across Katsina and Zamfara States.

According Makama, the gunmen stormed Guga village in Bakori Local Government Area with the alleged intention of attacking communities accused of supporting local security groups involved in protecting nearby villages.

“Over 200 armed bandits led by kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki stormed Guga village in Bakori LGA of Katsina State. Assisted by several bandits from the Ado Aleru band in Zamfara State, the bandits were out to attack communities they believed had been supporting Community Watch Corps protecting the surrounding villages,” Makama said.

The report stated that the planned attack was allegedly intended as retaliation for an earlier confrontation in Dawan Laila village, where local hunters reportedly inflicted heavy losses on the armed group.

“Unknown to the bandits, the DSS had water-tight intelligence plans. The over 200 armed bandits literally walked into a trap. Over 60 of them, including Idi Abasu Aiki and 14 of their top commanders, didn’t come out of that trap alive,” Makama added.

Makama further reported that four members of the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and local hunters supporting the operation were also killed during the confrontation.

According to the report, security operatives later conducted clearance operations in the area, recovering weapons and other items abandoned during the operation.