…Security agencies neutralized bandits, recovered arms, livestock
The Governor of Katsina State,Dr. Dikko Radda, has praised the Nigerian military, Department of State Services (DSS), and vigilantes for preventing scores of bandits from attacking and mass-kidnapping residents of Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward in Bakori Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor in a statement by the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu, stated that the intelligence-led operation, on Monday, September 21, 2026, resulted in the security forces neutralizing 18 armed bandits, recovering several arms and rustled livestock.
Radda noted that the operation was intelligence-driven based on credible information about planned mass abduction for ransom by the criminal elements.
According to Radda; “Our forces laid ambush using operational assets and engaged the bandits. The criminals were led by one Alhaji Musa Duki, a former school headmaster turned bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.
“The security forces recovered one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three motorcycles, two cows and 94 sheep,” he said.
The statement further said that Governor Radda particularly commended the gallantry of the security forces, and assured residents of a sustained covert operation to track and neutralize the kingpin and dismantle his network completely.
The Governor said; “We will not relent until every forest and hideout is cleared. Efforts are ongoing by the military and the DSS to identify other members of the network, locate their hideouts and thwart further kidnapping operations in Bakori, Faskari and neighbouring communities”.
