DSS Operation Kills Notorious Bandit Leader, 60 Others in Katsina

More than 60 suspected bandits, including notorious kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki, have been killed during an intelligence-led operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on X on Sunday, citing security sources familiar with the operation.

According to the sources, Idi Abasu Aiki was linked to several deadly attacks across Katsina and Zamfara states and was among those neutralised during the operation.

The operation was reportedly carried out with the support of members of the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and specially trained local hunters, although four members of the local security groups were killed during the gun battle.

One of the sources said the bandits had mobilised for a large-scale reprisal attack on communities in Bakori LGA.

“Over 200 armed bandits led by kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki stormed Guga village in Bakori LGA of Katsina State.

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“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,” the source said.

The source explained that the attack was believed to be retaliation for heavy losses suffered by the bandits during an earlier clash with local hunters in Dawan Laila village.

“Early last month, the bandits suffered heavy casualties at Dawan Laila village, Bakori LGA, in the hands of the hunters. The bandits, therefore, were out on a reprisal mission to dislodge the frontline community’s defence group, and thereafter proceed to inflict mass casualties on surrounding villages,” the source added.

However, the source said the attackers were met with a well-planned security operation based on credible intelligence.

“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.”

Another security source disclosed that following the operation, DSS operatives and supporting security teams conducted extensive clearance operations in the area, recovering weapons and other items abandoned by the fleeing bandits.

The Department of State Services has yet to issue an official statement on the reported operation.