Over 40 bandits killed as security operatives repel attack in Katsina

Security operatives in Katsina State have repelled a large-scale attack on Guga community in Bakori Local Government Area, killing more than 40 suspected bandits during a fierce gun battle.

The Katsina State Government described the operation as a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat insecurity across the state.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Muazu, disclosed the development in a statement, saying the attack occurred at about 5:40 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

According to Muazu, more than 200 heavily armed bandits, allegedly led by notorious gang leader Idi Abasu Aiki and supported by members of the Ado Aleru group from neighbouring Zamfara State, invaded Guga village in what authorities described as a reprisal attack.

He said prior intelligence enabled security forces to respond swiftly, leading to a coordinated operation that forced the attackers to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.

“During the confrontation, more than 40 bandits were killed, along with several top commanders of the criminal group,” Muazu said.

The commissioner disclosed that intelligence reports indicated the attackers planned to eliminate local vigilantes and members of the Community Watch Corps defending the area before extending their assault to Bakori town and neighbouring communities.

“Thanks to improved intelligence gathering and surveillance by the state government, security forces were able to take swift coordinated action. This led to a fierce gun battle that forced the bandits to flee after suffering heavy casualties,” he added.

Muazu further revealed that about eight senior commanders of the criminal group were killed during the operation, while the suspected bandit leader, Idi Abasu Aiki, reportedly sustained severe gunshot wounds believed to be life-threatening.

He noted that the latest success followed another major security operation on July 7, 2026, in Dawan Laila village, where the same criminal network suffered significant losses at the hands of local vigilantes and the Community Watch Corps.

Following Sunday’s operation, security personnel launched clearance operations across the affected area to recover abandoned weapons and other items, while surveillance and patrols were intensified to prevent further attacks.

Despite the successful operation, four members of the local vigilante group lost their lives after they were ambushed by the attackers while away from their frontline positions.

“The state government expresses deep sorrow over the death of four members of the vigilante group, who sacrificed their lives to protect their community and region,” Muazu said.

He conveyed the government’s condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the repose of the deceased vigilantes.

The Katsina State Government also assured residents that normalcy had returned to Guga and neighbouring communities, reaffirming its commitment to working closely with security agencies to protect lives and property across the state.

“Peace has fully returned to the affected areas, and the government remains committed to strengthening collaboration with all security agencies to protect the lives and property of the people of Katsina State,” the commissioner stated.