Community hunters have killed no fewer than 14 bandits in Katsina State alleged to be planning mass kidnapping in Gidan Wawo village in Bakori Local Government Area.
State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Danmusa, said the bandits were killed following a foiled attack on the village.
According to him, intelligence received at about 1:28am on Friday indicated that 26 heavily armed men riding on 13 motorcycles were heading towards Dawan Laila Forest ahead of planned attacks on neighbouring communities.
He said the bandits were led by Isiya Kwashen Garwa, a suspected kingpin.
The commissioner said security agencies subsequently placed all operational assets in Bakori LGA on high alert, disrupting the planned abduction.
He added that the bandits attacked a private vehicle conveying four passengers from Kakumi ward to Illela market in Sokoto on the same day and set it ablaze.
Danmusa said community hunters from Gidan Wawo who engaged the fleeing attackers in a gun battle were mobilised.
He said the hunters also rescued three passengers alive.
The commissioner noted that the incident claimed the lives of Mohammed Jidda, a community hunter, and Jamilu Lawal, a passenger, who died from burns sustained in the vehicle fire.
He said another hunter sustained minor gunshot injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
Danmusa said intelligence reports indicated possible reprisal following the bandits’ losses.
He added that counter-measures have been activated in collaboration with security agencies to prevent further threats.
