Community hunters in Katsina State have killed 14 suspected bandits during a gun battle and rescued three kidnap victims after foiling an alleged mass abduction plot in the state.
The confrontation followed intelligence reports that 26 heavily armed bandits, led by a notorious kingpin identified as Isiya Kwashen Garwa, were advancing towards Dawan Laila Forest to launch coordinated attacks on neighbouring communities.
The Katsina State Government disclosed this in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Danmusa.
According to Danmusa, the bandits were travelling on 13 motorcycles when security agencies received intelligence about their movements on Friday.
He said security operatives immediately placed their operational assets in Bakori Local Government Area on high alert, disrupting the suspected plan to abduct residents.
However, at about 1:31 p.m. on the same day, the armed men reportedly attacked a private vehicle conveying four passengers from Kakumi Ward to Illela Market in Sokoto State.
The assailants allegedly set the vehicle ablaze, trapping its occupants and leaving one of the travellers dead.
Following the attack, community hunters from Gidan Wawo were mobilised and engaged the fleeing bandits in a fierce gun battle.
The government said the encounter resulted in the deaths of 14 suspected bandits, while three victims were rescued alive.
Despite the reported success of the operation, the confrontation claimed the life of a community hunter, Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda, who was killed while defending the area.
Another hunter, 25-year-old Usman Sunday, sustained minor gunshot injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
The government also confirmed that one of the travellers, identified as Jamilu Lawal, died after being trapped in the burning vehicle.
“Even though 14 of the bandits were killed, the operation came at a painful cost,” the statement said, paying tribute to Jidda for his role in defending the community.
Meanwhile, the state government warned of possible reprisal attacks following the losses suffered by the suspected bandits.
Danmusa said intelligence reports indicated that the armed group might attempt retaliatory attacks, adding that security agencies had activated countermeasures to prevent further violence.
He assured residents that the government was working with relevant security agencies to safeguard communities and prevent further threats.
The latest incident highlights the continuing security challenges facing parts of Katsina State, where armed groups have carried out attacks, kidnappings and other violent crimes against residents and travellers.
