By Quazeem Halimot Bukola
Security operatives and community hunters have foiled a mass kidnapping attempt in Gidan Wawo village, Kakumi Ward, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing 14 suspected bandits during a gun battle.
The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, disclosed this in a statement made available to TheIdeal News on Friday.
According to Mu’azu, intelligence reports received on October 23, 2026, at about 1:28 a.m. indicated that 26 armed bandits riding on 13 motorcycles and allegedly led by one Isiya Kwashen Garwa were heading towards Dawan Laila Forest in Bakori Local Government Area.
He said security operatives in the area were immediately placed on alert to prevent a planned mass abduction in neighbouring communities.
The commissioner, however, disclosed that at about 1:31 p.m. on the same day, reports emerged that the armed group had attacked a vehicle belonging to a 50-year-old man, Jamilu Lawal, who was travelling with three other people from Kakumi Ward to Illela Market in Sokoto State.
The vehicle was reportedly set ablaze during the attack, resulting in Lawal’s death.
Mu’azu explained that community hunters from Gidan Wawo swiftly mobilised and engaged the suspected bandits in a fierce gun battle, which resulted in the killing of 14 members of the armed group.
However, the encounter also claimed the life of a 29-year-old community hunter, Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda, who died while defending the community.
Another hunter, 25-year-old Usman Sunday, sustained minor gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The commissioner added that three other occupants of the attacked vehicle were successfully rescued during the operation.
He further revealed that intelligence reports indicated the possibility of a reprisal attack by the suspected bandits following the heavy casualties suffered during the encounter.
According to him, the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, has put measures in place to prevent further attacks and neutralise potential threats in the affected communities.
Mu’azu commended security personnel and community hunters for their courage and sacrifice in protecting residents, assuring the public that the government remained committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
He also urged residents to remain calm and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities.
