By Mardiyyah Abubakar
Security forces have killed more than 40 suspected bandits, including eight senior commanders, after repelling a large-scale attack on Guga community in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation involved local hunters, the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) and troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade.
Security sources said over 200 heavily armed bandits attacked the village on Sunday in what appeared to be a coordinated reprisal assault.
The attackers were reportedly led by notorious bandit leader Idi Abasu Aiki, with support from fighters linked to the Ado Aleru criminal network based in neighbouring Zamfara State.
Acting on intelligence received before the attack, security operatives mounted a coordinated response, triggering a fierce gun battle that forced the bandits to retreat.
Security sources said more than 40 bandits were killed, including eight senior commanders. One of those killed was identified as Iliya Mai Rasha, a commander allegedly linked to several deadly attacks in Zamfara State. Idi Abasu Aiki was also reportedly wounded, although his condition could not be independently confirmed.
Five local hunters lost their lives during the operation after they were caught outside the main battle area while attending to personal errands.
The Katsina State Government described the slain hunters as courageous patriots and extended condolences to their families.
Security agencies have launched clearance operations to recover weapons abandoned by the fleeing bandits, while surveillance has been intensified to prevent further attacks. Authorities said normalcy has returned to Guga and neighbouring communities.
In a related operation, troops of the 17 Brigade Quick Reaction Force and the Civilian Joint Task Force recovered 126 rustled livestock—83 cows and 43 sheep—after ambushing suspected bandits in Bakori LGA. The suspects fled, leaving the animals behind, and officials have begun returning them to their owners.
Troops also rescued a kidnapped woman in Karkata Village, Charanchi LGA, after responding to a distress call. The abductors fled during a gunfight, allowing the victim to reunite with her family unharmed. No security personnel were killed in the rescue operation.
