A coordinated intelligence-driven operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly led to the killing of more than 60 suspected bandits, including a notorious kingpin, during a major security operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources identified the slain kingpin as **Idi Abasu Aiki**, who was allegedly linked to a series of deadly bandit attacks across Katsina and neighbouring Zamfara State. The operation was carried out with support from members of the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and specially trained hunters.
According to the sources, four members of the local security support teams lost their lives during the confrontation with the heavily armed bandits.
One of the sources said the operation followed intelligence indicating that a large group of armed bandits had mobilised for a reprisal attack on communities in the area. “**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 the Community Watch Corps protecting the surrounding villages," the source said.
The source explained that the planned assault was intended as revenge for the losses the bandits suffered during an earlier clash with hunters at Dawan Laila village in Bakori LGA. “**Early last month, the bandits suffered heavy casualties at Dawan Laila village, Bakori LGA, in the hands of the hunters. The bandits, therefore, were out on a reprisal mission to dislodge the frontline community’s defence group and thereafter proceed to inflict mass casualties on surrounding villages,**” the source added.
However, the source said the DSS had already gathered intelligence on the planned attack and strategically positioned its operatives ahead of the bandits' arrival. “**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,**” the source stated.
Another security source disclosed that following the gun battle, DSS operatives and their supporting security groups launched an extensive clearance operation across the area, recovering weapons and other items allegedly abandoned by the fleeing bandits. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the operation.