Over 40 bandits killed as security team foils coordinated attack on Katsina community

A coordinated security operation involving local hunters and the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) has repelled a large-scale bandit attack on Guga Village in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, leaving more than 40 suspected bandits dead.

The attack, which occurred at about 5:40 p.m. on Sunday, was reportedly launched by over 200 heavily armed bandits in what security sources described as a planned reprisal assault on the community.

Security sources said the attackers were led by Idi Abasu Aiki and reinforced by fighters linked to the Ado Aleru criminal network operating from neighbouring Zamfara State.

According to intelligence available to security agencies, the armed groups had intended to overpower local hunters and KSCWC operatives defending Guga before extending their offensive to Bakori town and adjoining communities.

However, acting on advance intelligence, the security team mounted a coordinated counter-offensive that triggered a fierce gun battle, forcing the attackers to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.

Security assessments indicated that more than 40 suspected bandits were killed during the encounter, while intelligence reports suggested that about eight senior commanders of the criminal network were among those neutralised.

Sources further disclosed that Idi Abasu Aiki sustained severe gunshot wounds during the exchange, although his condition could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

The latest operation followed an earlier confrontation on July 7 at Dawan Laila Village, where members of the same criminal network reportedly suffered significant losses during a clash with local security volunteers.

Meanwhile, security agencies have commenced clearance operations in the area to recover weapons and other equipment abandoned by the fleeing attackers, while surveillance has been intensified to prevent fresh incursions.

The Katsina State Government, while confirming the successful operation, said five members of the hunters’ team were killed after they were caught away from the frontline while attending to personal shopping activities.

The government described the slain hunters as courageous patriots who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of their communities and expressed condolences to their families.

Authorities said calm has been restored to Guga Village and surrounding communities, reaffirming their commitment to sustained joint security operations aimed at protecting lives and property across Katsina State.