Security forces in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina State have killed 18 suspected bandits during an operation in Gidan Iyado, Bakori Local Government Area, recovering weapons and stolen livestock.
The state’s Commissioner for Internal Security, Nasir Mua’zu, said the operation was carried out early Monday by a joint team of hunters, Community Watch Corps members and local vigilantes.
According to Mua’zu, the forces acted on intelligence that an armed group was planning a mass kidnapping for ransom. He identified the group’s alleged leader as Musa Duki, a former headmaster operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari.
Security personnel recovered one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of ammunition, three motorcycles, two cows and 94 sheep during the operation.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda said security operations would continue to track down Duki and dismantle his network, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling banditry across the state.