Community hunters in Katsina State have reportedly killed 14 suspected bandits during a gun battle in Gidan Wawo village, Bakori Local Government Area, following intelligence reports of a planned mass kidnapping in neighbouring communities.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident occurred on Friday, October 23, 2026, after security agencies received information that 26 heavily armed men travelling on 13 motorcycles were heading towards Dawan Laila Forest to launch attacks on nearby communities.
According to the Katsina State Government, the suspected gang was led by a notorious bandit kingpin identified as Isiya Kwashen Garwa.
The state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, said security operatives were immediately placed on high alert in Bakori Local Government Area, helping to disrupt the reported kidnapping plot.
However, at about 1:31 p.m. on the same day, the armed men reportedly attacked a private vehicle conveying four passengers from Kakumi Ward to Illela Market in Sokoto State. The attackers allegedly set the vehicle ablaze, trapping its occupants.
Community hunters from Gidan Wawo subsequently mobilised and engaged the fleeing attackers in a gun battle, resulting in the reported deaths of 14 suspected bandits.
Three of the four passengers were rescued alive, while the fourth passenger, identified as 50-year-old Jamilu Lawal, reportedly died from burns sustained in the vehicle fire.
The confrontation also claimed the life of a 29-year-old community hunter, Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda, who was killed while defending the community. Another hunter, 25-year-old Usman Sunday, sustained minor gunshot injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
The state government has also warned of possible reprisal attacks following the reported losses suffered by the armed group.
Danmusa said the government was working with relevant security agencies to implement preventive measures and protect residents from further attacks.
He commended the community hunters and security personnel for their intervention, urging residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing future attacks.
