Joint security forces have killed 18 suspected bandits during an intelligence-led operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation, involving hunters, members of the Community Watch Corps and local vigilante groups, was carried out at about 1am on Monday at Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward.
The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs said the operation followed intelligence that the armed group was planning to abduct residents for ransom.
According to the ministry, the security personnel laid an ambush for the group and engaged the suspected bandits in a gun battle, killing 18 of them.
The ministry identified the alleged leader of the group as Alhaji Musa Duki, a former school headmaster whom it said had become a bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.
Items recovered during the operation included one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and three motorcycles.
The security forces also recovered two cows and 94 sheep suspected to have been rustled by the criminal group.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mua’zu, said no security operative was killed during the operation.
He added that a covert operation was ongoing to track down Duki and dismantle his network.
Mua’zu commended the hunters, Community Watch Corps and vigilante members for their contribution to the operation and urged residents to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information.