DSS, Vigilantes Neutralize Bandit Kingpin, Over 60 Others

The Department of State Services (DSS), in a major intelligence-led operation, has killed more than 60 suspected bandits, including notorious kingpin, Idi Abasu Aiki, during a fierce operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operations was carried out in collaboration with the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and specially trained hunters.

Security sources said the operation was carried out after intelligence revealed plans by heavily armed bandits to launch coordinated attacks on communities accused of supporting local security outfits combating banditry in the area.

According to the sources, over 200 armed bandits led by Aiki, with reinforcement from fighters linked to the Ado Aleru band operating in neighbouring Zamfara State, invaded Guga village in what was described as a reprisal mission.

The attackers were reportedly seeking revenge for heavy losses suffered at Dawan Laila village in Bakori LGA earlier last month, where local hunters had successfully repelled their assault.

One security source said the bandits intended to dismantle the Community Watch Corps defending the area before extending attacks to surrounding communities.

However, the source disclosed that the DSS had already gathered actionable intelligence on the planned assault and coordinated an ambush involving community vigilantes and specially trained hunters.

“The over 200 armed bandits literally walked into a trap. More than 60 of them, including Idi Abasu Aiki and 14 of their top commanders, did not come out alive,” the source said.

The operation, according to the sources, dealt a significant blow to the criminal network operating across Katsina and Zamfara states, where Aiki had been linked to numerous deadly attacks, kidnappings and other violent crimes.

The sources added that four members of the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and hunter groups lost their lives during the confrontation.

Following the operation, DSS personnel and supporting security teams reportedly conducted an extensive clearance exercise across the area, recovering weapons and other items abandoned by the fleeing bandits.

Although the DSS has yet to issue an official statement on the operation, Security sources described it as one of the most successful recent offensives against armed bandit groups operating in Nigeria’s North-West.