18 Suspected Bandits Killed as Security Forces Foil Mass Kidnap in Katsina

18 Suspected Bandits Killed as Security Forces Foil Mass Kidnap in Katsina

Eighteen suspected bandits have been killed in an intelligence-led ambush that reportedly foiled a planned mass kidnapping in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation took place at about 1am on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, after security personnel received intelligence that an armed group was planning to abduct residents for ransom.

According to the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the operation involved hunters, members of the Community Watch Corps and local vigilante groups, who laid an ambush and engaged the suspected bandits.

The ministry said 18 members of the group were killed, while no casualty was recorded among the security personnel involved in the operation.

Recovered items included one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and three motorcycles.

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Security personnel also recovered two cows and 94 sheep, which the authorities believe were among livestock allegedly rustled by the group.

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

Authorities said the operation was part of continuing efforts to disrupt bandit networks, kidnapping operations and rural insecurity across Bakori, Faskari and neighbouring communities.

The government said a sustained covert operation was ongoing to locate Duki and other members of the network, identify their hideouts and prevent further attacks.

Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda commended the security personnel and community-based security groups involved in the operation, while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

The latest operation comes amid continuing security challenges in parts of Katsina State, where authorities have increasingly relied on intelligence gathering and collaboration between conventional security agencies and community-based security groups to disrupt criminal activity.

The recovered weapons and ammunition have been taken into custody as security agencies continue efforts to dismantle the alleged network and prevent further kidnapping and banditry in the affected areas.

18 Suspected Bandits Killed as Security Forces Foil Mass Kidnap in Katsina