An intelligence-led operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) has resulted in the death of more than 60 suspected bandits, including a notorious kingpin, during a security operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the operation also eliminated Idi Abasu Aiki, a feared bandit leader allegedly linked to numerous attacks across Katsina and Zamfara states. Four members of the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and specially trained hunters who supported the operation were reportedly killed during the confrontation.
According to one of the sources, over 200 armed bandits led by Aiki invaded Guga village in Bakori LGA with the intention of attacking communities accused of supporting the Community Watch Corps safeguarding the area.
The source added that the attackers were reinforced by fighters from the Ado Aleru band based in Zamfara State and were on a reprisal mission following heavy losses they suffered at Dawan Laila village in Bakori LGA last month at the hands of local hunters.
“Unknown to the bandits, the DSS had watertight 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 said.
Another security source disclosed that following the operation, the DSS and supporting security groups carried out an extensive clearance exercise, recovering weapons and other items abandoned by the fleeing bandits.
