Radda noted that the security operation which foiled a planned mass abduction attempt in the state was intelligence-driven.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has hailed the gallantry of the Nigerian military, Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes after foiling a mass kidnapping attempt in Bakori Local Government Area and killing 18 armed bandits in the process.
He commended the security agencies on Tuesday via a statement released by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu.
According to him, the joint operation, which included hunters, members of the Community Watch Corps, and local vigilante groups, took place at about 1:00 am on Monday, 21 September 2026, at Gidan Iyado in Kakumi Ward.
He further disclosed that the security agencies ambushed the bandits following intelligence about a planned mass abduction for ransom, noting that the operation was intelligence-driven and targeted a group allegedly terrorising Kakumi Ward and neighbouring communities.
“The operation was intelligence-driven. Acting on credible information about a planned mass abduction for ransom by the criminal group, our forces laid an ambush using operational assets and engaged the bandits,” Mu’azu said.
The commissioner identified the alleged leader of the group as Alhaji Musa Duki, a former school headmaster who reportedly became a bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.
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He went on to say the security forces recovered one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, and three motorcycles during the operation.
In addition, two cows and 94 sheep believed to have been rustled by the criminals were also recovered.
Mu’azu said Governor Radda praised the security personnel for their gallantry and assured residents that operations would continue in order to dismantle the criminal network.
“A sustained covert operation is ongoing to track and neutralise the kingpin and dismantle his network completely. We will not relent until every forest and hideout is cleared.”
He added that the military and DSS were working to identify other members of the network, locate their hideouts, and prevent further kidnapping attacks in Bakori, Faskari, and neighbouring communities.
The state government described the operation as a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to tackle banditry and protect communities across Katsina State.
