More than 60 suspected bandits, including notorious kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki, were reportedly killed during an intelligence-led security operation that foiled a planned attack on communities in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation, reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama, was carried out by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in collaboration with the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and specially trained local hunters.
According to the report, the security team intercepted more than 200 armed bandits allegedly led by Idi Abasu Aiki, who was said to have been linked to several deadly attacks across Katsina and Zamfara states.
Makama said the armed group stormed Guga village in Bakori LGA, allegedly intending to launch a reprisal attack on communities accused of supporting local security groups protecting nearby villages.
He explained that the planned assault was believed to be retaliation for an earlier clash in Dawan Laila village, where local hunters reportedly inflicted heavy losses on the bandits.
“Over 200 armed bandits led by kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki stormed Guga village in Bakori LGA of Katsina State. Assisted by several bandits from the Ado Aleru group in Zamfara State, they planned to attack communities they believed were supporting the Community Watch Corps protecting surrounding villages,” Makama said.
He added that the bandits were unaware that the DSS had already gathered actionable intelligence and laid an ambush for the group.
“The over 200 armed bandits literally walked into a trap. More than 60 of them, including Idi Abasu Aiki and 14 of their top commanders, did not come out alive,” Makama stated.
The report also disclosed that four members of the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and local hunters who participated in the operation lost their lives during the confrontation.
Following the operation, security personnel reportedly carried out clearance exercises in the area, recovering weapons and other items abandoned by the fleeing bandits.
