More than 40 suspected bandits have been neutralized by by security operatives at Gugua community in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The state Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Muazu who made this known in a statement, said the incident occured on Sunday 5:40pm.

Muazu said more than 200 heavily armed bandits, under the leadership of notoriois babdit leader, Idi Abasu Aiki, had attacked the community in a reprisal.

He said confrontation between the bandits and local security operatives ensued, and that more than 40 bandits were killed, along with several top commanders of the criminal group.

The commissioner, however, said that four of the security operatives lost their lives after they were ambushed while running errands.

“The Katsina State Government recorded a major security success after security personnel successfully foiled a brutal attack by bandits on the village of Guga in Bakori Local Government Area.

“During the confrontation, more than 40 bandits were killed, along with several top commanders of the criminal group.

“The incident occurred at about 5:40 PM on Sunday, July 26, 2026, when over 200 heavily armed bandits, under the leadership of notorious bandit leader Idi Abasu Aiki, and in collaboration with members of the Ado Aleru group from neighboring Zamfara State, attacked Guga village in a reprisal.

“Intelligence reports obtained by security forces showed that the attackers’ plan was to wipe out the local vigilantes and the Community Watch Corps protecting the areas, before launching further attacks on Bakori town and other nearby villages.

“However, thanks to improved intelligence gathering and surveillance by the state government, security forces were able to take swift coordinated action.

“This led to a fierce gun battle that forced the bandits to flee after suffering heavy casualties.

“As a result of the operation, more than 40 bandits were killed, while further intelligence confirmed that nearly eight top commanders of the group were eliminated. Also, bandit leader Idi Abasu Aiki sustained serious gunshot wounds that are believed to be life-threatening.

“This victory follows another operation carried out on July 7, 2026 in Dawan Laila village in Bakori LGA, where the same bandit group suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the vigilantes and the Community Watch Corps. The latest attack was an attempt to regain strength and dismantle the community security structure established by the Katsina State Government.

“Currently, security forces have begun clearance operations in the area to recover weapons and other items abandoned by the bandits as they fled. Surveillance and patrols have also been intensified to prevent any future security threats.

“However, the Katsina State Government expressed deep sorrow over the death of four members of the vigilante group, who were shot dead after being ambushed by the attackers while they had left their frontline positions to run errands.

“The state government stated that these brave citizens sacrificed their lives to protect the community and their region. On behalf of the Government and the people of Katsina State, condolences have been sent to the families of these heroes with prayers that Allah grants them mercy.

“Finally, the state government confirmed that peace has fully returned to the affected areas, and reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with all security agencies to protect the lives and property of the people of the state.”