Community hunters in Nigeria’s Katsina State have killed 14 armed bandits, rescued three people and disrupted what authorities described as preparations for a large-scale kidnapping operation, as security forces moved to contain threats to communities around Bakori Local Government Area.
Intelligence operation targets suspected kidnap plan
The Katsina State government said security intelligence received on Friday showed that 26 heavily armed bandits, travelling on 13 motorcycles, were moving toward Dawan Laila Forest. The group was allegedly led by Isiya Kwashen Garwa, described by officials as a notorious gang leader.
Authorities said the bandits were preparing coordinated raids on nearby settlements, including a planned mass abduction. Following the alert, security agencies put their available operational resources across Bakori Local Government Area on heightened readiness.
- Intelligence identified 26 suspected bandits riding 13 motorcycles.
- The group was reportedly heading for Dawan Laila Forest.
- Officials said the force was led by Isiya Kwashen Garwa.
- The deployment disrupted the anticipated kidnapping operation and planned attacks on surrounding communities.
Attack on vehicle travelling toward Sokoto
At about 1:31 p.m. on the same day, the armed group attacked a private vehicle carrying four passengers from Kakumi Ward toward Illela Market in Sokoto State.
The attackers set fire to the vehicle, leaving its occupants trapped inside. Community hunters from Gidan Wawo were mobilised soon afterward and pursued the fleeing gunmen, leading to a heavy exchange of fire.
The confrontation ended with 14 bandits killed and three victims brought out alive, authorities said.
Casualties and security response
The operation also resulted in losses among the hunters and travellers. Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda, a community hunter, was killed while defending the area. Another volunteer, Usman Sunday, 25, suffered minor gunshot wounds and is receiving medical care.
- Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda, a community hunter, was killed during the operation.
- Usman Sunday, 25, sustained minor gunshot injuries and is undergoing treatment.
- Passenger Jamilu Lawal died after suffering burns when the vehicle was set alight.
- Three other victims were rescued alive.
Nasir Danmusa, Katsina’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said intelligence assessments point to a risk of retaliatory attacks after the bandits’ losses. The state government said it has activated broad countermeasures with security agencies to prevent further violence and protect residents.
