24 bandits killed as security forces foil mass kidnap attempt in Katsina

At least 24 bandits were killed on Tuesday after a joint security operation foiled an attempt to abduct several residents of Gidan Bawa village in Kandarawa Ward, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation was carried out by soldiers of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps, following intelligence about a planned attack on the community.

A security source said intelligence gathered by the security agencies revealed that about 40 armed men loyal to notorious bandit kingpin Isiya Kwashen Garwa were planning to invade the village and abduct a large number of residents, particularly women and children.

According to the source, the planned attack was allegedly intended to mirror the mass abduction recently reported in Woro community, Kwara State, and was aimed at embarrassing the government.

Acting on the intelligence, DSS operatives mobilised members of the Community Watch Corps and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) from Guga camp to intercept the bandits.

The joint security team reportedly ambushed the attackers during the operation, killing 24 of them and rescuing villagers who had been abducted.

The operatives also recovered 19 stolen cattle from the community during the raid.

The security source added that efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend the bandits who escaped from the operation.