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BAKORI, Katsina State — Local community hunters in Gidan Wawo village, Kakumi Ward of Bakori Local Government Area, Katsina State, have foiled a planned mass abduction by armed bandits, neutralizing 14 criminals in a fierce gun duel.
The security encounter occurred following intelligence detailing the movements of a notorious bandit leader and his gang operating in the area.
Early Warning and Preemptive Action
According to an official statement issued on Friday by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, security forces received actionable intelligence around 1:28 AM on Friday, October 23.
The intelligence tracked the movements of 26 armed bandits riding on 13 motorcycles. The gang, led by a suspected criminal kingpin identified as Isiya Kwashen Garwa, was spotted moving towards the Dawan Laila forest axis in Bakori LGA.
Upon receiving the report, the state government placed all security assets and local vigilante networks in Bakori on high alert to forestall plans for a coordinated mass kidnapping in neighboring farming communities.
Attack on Civilian Vehicle and Counter-Offensive
Despite the heightened alert, the bandit group launched an ambush at approximately 1:31 PM along a commuter route in the area. The gunmen set fire to a private vehicle owned by 50-year-old Jamilu Lawal, who was traveling from Kakumi Ward to the Illela market in Sokoto State alongside three passengers.
In response to the attack, local community hunters from nearby Gidan Wawo mobilized swiftly and intercepted the heavily armed gang. The engagement escalated into a gun battle, resulting in 14 of the bandits being killed, while the remaining members of the gang fled into the surrounding forest with bullet wounds.
Casualties and Rescues
The confrontation resulted in casualties among both civilians and community responders:
- Bandits: 14 killed on the scene.
- Community Hunters: One hunter, identified as 29-year-old Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda, was killed in the line of duty. Another hunter, 25-year-old Usman Sunday, sustained minor gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
- Civilians: The vehicle owner, Jamilu Lawal, was burned to death inside his vehicle during the assault. However, three other occupants were rescued unharmed by the hunters during the operational engagement.
Threat of Reprisal and State Countermeasures
Following the heavy losses sustained by the criminal group, intelligence reports indicate that surviving members may be planning a retaliatory attack on communities within Bakori LGA.
Dr. Nasir Mu’azu assured residents that the Katsina State Government, in coordination with statutory security agencies, local hunter unions, and the Katsina Community Watch Corps, has deployed additional operational countermeasures to secure the area and neutralize any further security threats.
The commissioner commended the bravery and sacrifice of the local hunters, paying tribute to the fallen defender while reiterating the state government’s commitment to eradicating banditry across rural communities. He urged members of the public to maintain calm, stay vigilant, and continue providing actionable intelligence to security forces.
