More than 60 suspected bandits, including their notorious kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki, were killed during a targeted security operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, following intelligence that they planned a reprisal attack on local communities. The operation, conducted by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) with support from Katsina State Community Vigilantes and specially trained local hunters, successfully neutralized over 200 armed bandits who had stormed Guga village. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the attackers were linked to multiple violent incidents across Katsina and Zamfara States and were believed to be seeking revenge for a previous clash in Dawan Laila village.
The bandits, led by Idi Abasu Aiki and assisted by members of the Ado Aleru band from Zamfara State, allegedly intended to target communities accused of supporting local security groups protecting nearby villages. Makama revealed that the group had entered Guga village under the cover of darkness, unaware that DSS operatives had already laid an ambush based on precise intelligence. “Over 200 armed bandits led by kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki stormed Guga village in Bakori LGA of Katsina State,” Makama stated, adding that the attackers walked into a trap prepared by security forces.
In the ensuing confrontation, more than 60 bandits, including Aiki and 14 of his top commanders, were killed. The operation was described as a major setback for the criminal network, which has been responsible for numerous kidnappings, cattle rustling, and attacks on villages in the region. Security forces also recovered weapons and other materials abandoned by the fleeing or defeated bandits during subsequent clearance operations. Despite the success, the operation came at a cost — four members of the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and local hunters lost their lives during the engagement.
The incident underscores the increasing collaboration between federal security agencies and state-level vigilante groups in combating banditry in northern Nigeria. It also highlights the role of intelligence gathering in preempting attacks and minimizing civilian casualties. Authorities have not yet released official figures, but Makama’s report aligns with growing efforts to dismantle organized bandit networks through coordinated military and community-based strategies. As security operations continue, residents of Bakori and surrounding areas are cautiously hopeful that this decisive action will bring lasting peace to the region.
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