Joint Security Forces have k!lled 18 suspected bandits and recovered two AK-47 rifles, a G3 rifle and other weapons during an operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation, involving hunters, members of the Community Watch Corps and local vigilante groups, was conducted at about 1am on Monday, at Gidan Iyado, Kakumi.
Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs said the operation was based on intelligence that the group was planning to abduct residents for ransom.
According to the ministry, the security personnel laid an ambush for the group and engaged them in a gun battle, resulting in the death of 18 suspected bandits.
The ministry identified the alleged leader of the group as Alhaji Musa Duki, a former school headmaster whom it said, had turned a bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.
Items recovered during the operation included one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and three motorcycles.
The security forces also recovered two cows and 94 sheep suspected to have been rustled by the criminal group.
Similarly, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mua’zu, said no security operative was killed during the operation, adding that a covert operation was ongoing to track down the alleged kingpin and dismantle his network.
He commended the hunters, Community Watch Corps and vigilante members for their contributions, and urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies.