Army, DSS Foil Mass Kidnap in Katsina, Kill 24 Bandits

At least 24 bandits were killed on Tuesday after a joint operation by Nigerian Army troops, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps thwarted a planned mass abduction in Katsina State.

The operation took place in Gidan Bawa village, Kandarawa Ward, Bakori Local Government Area, following intelligence that uncovered plans by about 40 armed bandits to attack the community.

A security source said the attackers were allegedly loyal to notorious bandit leader Isiya Kwashen Garwa and were preparing to abduct several residents, particularly women and children.

According to the source, the planned attack was believed to be aimed at replicating the mass abduction recently recorded in Woro community in Kwara State, with the alleged intention of embarrassing the government.

Acting on the intelligence, DSS operatives mobilised the Community Watch Corps and Civilian Joint Task Force members from the Guga camp to confront the attackers.

The security personnel reportedly ambushed the bandits as they approached the community, killing 24 of them and rescuing villagers who had been abducted.

During the operation, the joint team also recovered 19 stolen cattle from the community.

The security source said efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining bandits who escaped from the scene.

The operation comes amid intensified security efforts in Katsina State to curb banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling in vulnerable communities.