Abdullahi Sarki
A notorious bandit kingpin, Idi Abasu Aiki, along with more than 60 suspected bandits, has been killed in a major intelligence-led security operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed that the raid was executed by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), supported by members of the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and specially trained local hunters.
He explained that the armed group, reinforced by fighters linked to the Ado Aleru gang from Zamfara State, had moved into Guga village in Bakori LGA to launch an assault.
“Over 200 armed bandits led by kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki stormed Guga village in Bakori LGA of Katsina State. Assisted by several bandits from the Ado Aleru band in Zamfara State, the bandits were out to attack communities they believed had been supporting Community Watch Corps protecting the surrounding villages,” Makama said.
The planned attack was believed to be retaliation for an earlier clash in Dawan Laila village, where local hunters reportedly inflicted heavy casualties on the bandits.
Makama revealed that security agencies had already gathered intelligence on the movement of the armed group and laid an ambush.
“Unknown to the bandits, the DSS had water-tight 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,” he added.
Despite the success of the operation, Makama disclosed that four members of the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and local hunters lost their lives during the fierce exchange of gunfire.
He further noted that security personnel later conducted clearance operations in the area, recovering weapons and other items abandoned by fleeing bandits.
