Katsina Security Forces Foil Mass Kidnap, Neutralise 18 Bandits

Security forces in Katsina State have foiled a planned mass kidnapping in Bakori Local Government Area, killing 18 suspected bandits and recovering rifles, ammunition, motorcycles and rustled livestock.

The operation was carried out at about 1am on Monday, September 21, at Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, following intelligence that the group was planning to abduct residents for ransom.

The Katsina State Government said the operation involved the military, Department of State Services (DSS), hunters, Community Watch Corps and local vigilante groups.

According to the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mua’su, the security personnel laid an ambush after receiving credible information about the planned attack.

“The operation was intelligence-driven. Acting on credible information about planned mass abduction for ransom by the criminal group, our forces laid ambush using operational assets and engaged the bandits.”

The Commissioner identified the alleged leader of the group as Alhaji Musa Duki, described as a former school headmaster who allegedly became a bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.

Security forces recovered one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and three motorcycles.

They also recovered two cows and 94 sheep believed to have been rustled by the criminal group.

Governor Dikko Radda commended the military, DSS and local security groups for preventing the planned attack and assured residents that operations against the criminal network would continue.

“We will not relent until every forest and hideout is cleared,” the governor said.

The state government said the military and DSS were continuing efforts to identify other members of the network, locate their hideouts and prevent further kidnapping operations in Bakori, Faskari and neighbouring communities.

The development comes amid continued security challenges in Bakori and surrounding areas, where authorities have been working with community-based security groups to disrupt bandit networks and protect rural communities.