Operation intelligence-driven – Dikko on killing of 18 bandits in Katsina

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has commended the military, Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes for foiling a planned mass kidnapping in Bakori Local Government Area and neutralising 18 armed bandits.

The operation took place at about 1am on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Gidan Iyado in Kakumi Ward, according to the state Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.

The ministry said the joint operation involved hunters, members of the Community Watch Corps and local vigilante groups, who ambushed the bandits following intelligence about a planned mass abduction for ransom.

The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mua’su, said the operation was intelligence-driven and targeted a group allegedly terrorising Kakumi Ward and neighbouring communities.

“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, a former school headmaster who reportedly 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 during the operation.

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

Mua’su said Governor Radda praised the security personnel for their gallantry and assured residents that operations would continue to dismantle the criminal network.

“A sustained covert operation is ongoing to track and neutralize the kingpin and dismantle his network completely. We will not relent until every forest and hideout is cleared.”

He added that the military and DSS were working to identify other members of the network, locate their hideouts and prevent further kidnapping attacks in Bakori, Faskari and neighbouring communities.

The state government described the operation as a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to tackle banditry and protect communities across Katsina State.