Posted by Chinenye on Tue 22nd Sep, 2026 - tori.ng
A planned kidnapping attack in Katsina State was stopped after security forces and local vigilantes received information about the bandits' next move.
(Governor Dikko Radda. Photo by TheCable)
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has praised the military, DSS and local vigilantes for stopping a planned mass kidnapping in Bakori Local Government Area
They killed 18 armed bandits in the operation.
It happened around 1am on Monday, September 21, at Gidan Iyado in Kakumi Ward.
Hunters, community watch members and local vigilantes ambushed the bandits after getting intelligence about a planned abduction for ransom.
The state commissioner for internal security said the operation was intelligence-driven.
Acting on credible information, security forces set a trap and engaged the bandits.
The alleged leader of the group is Alhaji Musa Duki, a former school headmaster who became a bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.
Security forces recovered one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles and 14 rounds of ammunition.
They also seized three motorcycles, two cows and 94 sheep the criminals had rustled.
Governor Radda praised the security personnel and promised residents the operations will continue.
A sustained operation is ongoing to track down the kingpin and dismantle his entire network.
The military and DSS are working to identify other members, find their hideouts and prevent further kidnapping attacks in Bakori, Faskari and neighbouring communities.
The state government called the operation a major breakthrough in its fight against banditry.