The Katsina State Government has announced the successful foiling of a planned mass kidnap operation in Gidan Wawo village, Kakumi Ward of Bakori Local Government Area, following a coordinated security response that resulted in the elimination of 14 suspected bandits.
According to the government, intelligence reports received at about 1:28 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, indicated that 26 heavily armed bandits riding on 13 motorcycles, under the leadership of a notorious kingpin identified as Isiya Kwashen Garwa, were advancing towards Dawan Laila Forest in preparation for coordinated attacks on neighbouring communities.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, security agencies immediately placed all operational assets in Bakori Local Government Area on high alert, successfully disrupting the planned mass abduction.
However, at about 1:31 p.m. the same day, the armed bandits attacked a private vehicle conveying four passengers from Kakumi Ward to Illela Market in Sokoto State. The assailants set the vehicle ablaze, trapping the occupants.
Community hunters from Gidan Wawo were promptly mobilised and engaged the fleeing criminals in a fierce gun battle. The encounter ended in a decisive victory for the security volunteers, with fourteen bandits neutralised and three victims rescued alive.
The operation, however, came at a painful cost. A brave community hunter, Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda, 29, was killed while defending the community, while another hunter, Usman Sunday, 25, sustained minor gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
One of the travellers, Jamilu Lawal, 50, tragically lost his life after being burnt in the vehicle during the attack.
The government disclosed that intelligence reports have indicated possible reprisal attacks by the bandits following the heavy losses they suffered.
It assured residents that comprehensive countermeasures have already been activated in collaboration with security agencies to forestall any further threats.
The Katsina State Government commended the courage, resilience and sacrifice of security personnel and community hunters whose swift intervention prevented what could have been a devastating mass kidnap.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Danmusa, the government urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.
It reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
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