24 Bandits Killed as Army, DSS and Vigilantes Foil Mass Kidnap in Katsina Community and Rescue Victims

At least 24 bandits were killed on Tuesday after a joint operation by soldiers of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services, and the Katsina Community Watch Corps foiled an attempted mass abduction in Gidan Bawa village, Kandarawa Ward, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

According to a security source, the operation followed credible intelligence that about 40 gunmen loyal to notorious bandit leader, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, were planning to invade the village to abduct residents, particularly women and children.

Sources said the plot was intended to replicate the mass abduction of residents of Woro community in Kwara State, in what was described as an attempt to embarrass the government.

Acting on the intelligence, DSS operatives mobilised members of the Community Watch Corps and the Civilian Joint Task Force from Guga camp and laid an ambush for the attackers.

The source disclosed that the joint security team neutralised 24 bandits during the encounter and successfully rescued the villagers who had been abducted.

Security operatives also recovered 19 cattle stolen from the community during the raid.

The source added that efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing members of the group.