RismadarVoice Reporters
August 2, 2026
More than 60 suspected bandits, including a notorious kingpin identified as Idi Abasu Aiki, were reportedly killed during a security operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation, according to security analyst Zagazola Makama, was carried out by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), supported by members of the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and specially trained local hunters.
Makama said the operation followed intelligence indicating that more than 200 armed bandits were planning a reprisal attack on communities in the area.
He said the group was allegedly led by Aiki, who was linked to several attacks across Katsina and neighbouring Zamfara State.
According to the report, the bandits stormed Guga village in Bakori Local Government Area, allegedly targeting communities they believed were supporting local security groups involved in protecting surrounding villages.
Makama said the planned attack was believed to be in retaliation for an earlier confrontation in Dawan Laila village, where local hunters reportedly inflicted significant losses on the armed group.
He claimed that intelligence provided by the DSS enabled security forces and local vigilantes to prepare an ambush for the attackers.
“Over 60 of them, including Idi Abasu Aiki and 14 of their top commanders, didn’t come out of that trap alive,” Makama reported.
Four members of the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and local hunters were also reportedly killed during the confrontation.
The report further stated that security personnel subsequently conducted clearance operations in the area and recovered weapons and other items allegedly abandoned by the fleeing gunmen.
The reported operation comes amid continuing security challenges in parts of Katsina and neighbouring states, where armed groups have carried out attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities.
However, the casualty figures and other operational details in the report could not be independently verified at the time of publication.
