At least 24 bandits have been killed after security operatives foiled an attempt to abduct several residents of Gidan Bawa village in Kandarawa Ward, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the operation, which took place on Tuesday, involved soldiers of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
According to security sources cited by TheCable and security-focused publication Zagazola Makama, about 40 gunmen loyal to notorious bandit kingpin Isiya Kwashen Garwa had planned to invade the community and abduct a large number of residents, particularly women and children.
The security operation was launched after intelligence agencies uncovered the planned attack. DSS operatives subsequently mobilised the Katsina Community Watch Corps and CJTF personnel from Guga camp to intercept the attackers.
The joint forces reportedly ambushed the bandits, killing 24 of them and rescuing villagers who had been abducted during the attack. Security operatives also recovered 19 stolen cattle from the community.
The attackers were reportedly attempting to carry out a large-scale abduction similar to the recent kidnapping of residents of Woro community in Kwara State.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing members of the group following the operation.
The incident highlights the role of intelligence-led operations and collaboration among the military, intelligence agencies and community-based security groups in preventing large-scale attacks and kidnappings in affected communities.
