A high-ranking bandit commander, Idi Abasu Aiki, alongside more than 60 of his associates, was neutralized during a tactical security mission in the Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State. The operation was executed by the Department of State Services in collaboration with local community vigilantes and skilled hunters.
According to security commentator Zagazola Makama, the raid was triggered by reports that roughly 200 armed individuals were gathering for a vengeful strike against local residents. The bandits, supported by reinforcements from the Ado Aleru group based in Zamfara, had entered Guga village with the intention of targeting communities that supported local security forces.
This planned violence was reportedly a retaliation for a previous skirmish in Dawan Laila, where local hunters had successfully pushed back the criminal group. Security forces utilized advance intelligence to set a trap for the advancing militia. As the gunmen entered the zone, they were caught in an ambush that resulted in the deaths of Aiki and 14 of his high-level lieutenants. While the operation secured a significant victory, four members of the community security team were also killed during the ensuing firefight. Following the engagement, authorities conducted a cleanup operation, recovering various weapons left behind by the retreating militants.
