Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), supported by the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and local hunters, have reportedly foiled a planned reprisal attack in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing more than 60 suspected bandits, including a notorious kingpin, Idi Abasu Aiki.
The operation was disclosed by security analyst Zagazola Makama, who said intelligence gathered by the DSS enabled security operatives to intercept over 200 armed bandits before they could launch an attack on targeted communities.
According to Makama, the armed group, allegedly led by Idi Abasu Aiki and reinforced by fighters linked to the Ado Aleru band from Zamfara State, had stormed Guga village with plans to attack communities accused of supporting local security groups protecting surrounding villages.
He said the operation was carefully planned after intelligence revealed the bandits’ movements, resulting in the armed group walking into a security ambush.
“Unknown to the bandits, the DSS had watertight intelligence plans. 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 of that trap alive,” Makama stated.
The report said the planned assault was intended as retaliation for an earlier clash in Dawan Laila village, where local hunters reportedly inflicted heavy casualties on the bandits.
Makama added that four members of the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and local hunters who participated in the operation were also killed during the confrontation.
Following the operation, security personnel conducted clearance operations in the area, recovering weapons and other items abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
