More than 60 suspected bandits, including a notorious gang leader identified as Idi Abasu Aiki, were reportedly killed during a coordinated security operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, thwarting what was said to be a planned reprisal attack on communities in the area.
The operation was first reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama, who said it was based on actionable intelligence and involved operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) working alongside members of the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and specially trained local hunters.
According to the report, the operation targeted a large group of more than 200 armed bandits allegedly led by Aiki, a notorious figure linked to several violent attacks in Katsina and Zamfara states.
Makama said the gunmen had moved into Guga village in Bakori LGA with the intention of launching attacks on communities they believed were assisting local security outfits protecting surrounding settlements.
“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 band in Zamfara State, the bandits were out to attack communities they believed had been supporting Community Watch Corps protecting the surrounding villages,” Makama said.
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The report indicated that the planned assault was meant to avenge an earlier clash in Dawan Laila village, where local hunters were said to have inflicted significant casualties on members of the armed group.
However, Makama said the attackers walked into a carefully planned security operation after intelligence officers anticipated their movement.
“Unknown to the bandits, the DSS had water-tight intelligence plans. The over 200 armed bandits literally walked into a trap.
“Over 60 of them, including Idi Abasu Aiki and 14 of their top commanders, didn’t come out of that trap alive,” Makama added.
Despite the reported success of the operation, Makama said four members of the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and local hunters who participated in the mission also lost their lives during the gun battle.
He added that security personnel later carried out clearance operations in the area, recovering weapons and other items abandoned by the fleeing bandits.