Army, DSS, Vigilantes Foil Mass Abduction Plot, Eliminate 24 Bandits in Katsina
At least 24 bandits were killed on Tuesday when troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Katsina Community Watch Corps foiled an attempt to abduct several residents of Gidan Bawa village in Kandarawa Ward, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
A security source told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed sustained intelligence gathering that uncovered plans by about 40 armed bandits loyal to a notorious kingpin, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, to invade the community and abduct a large number of residents, particularly women and children.
The intelligence reportedly indicated that the planned mass abduction was intended to replicate the recent kidnapping incident in Woro community, Kwara State, in an apparent attempt to undermine government efforts to combat insecurity.
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Acting on the intelligence, DSS operatives mobilised the Katsina Community Watch Corps and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) from Guga Camp to intercept the attackers.
The security personnel reportedly laid an ambush for the bandits as they moved towards the community, resulting in a fierce confrontation.
The source said 24 bandits were neutralised during the operation, while several victims who had been abducted were rescued.
The joint team also recovered 19 stolen cattle from the area during the operation.
Security operatives have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing members of the gang, as operations continue to prevent further attacks and kidnappings in the area.
The latest operation underscores the growing importance of intelligence-led collaboration among security agencies and community-based security formations in countering banditry and protecting vulnerable communities in Katsina State.
By PRNigeria
