A major security operation in Katsina State has thwarted a large-scale bandit attack on Guga Village in Bakori Local Government Area, with more than 40 suspected bandits reportedly killed during a fierce gunfight with security operatives.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Katsina, describing the operation as a significant victory against criminal elements terrorising communities in the state.

According to Mu’azu, the attack began around 5:40 p.m. on Sunday when a heavily armed group of bandits, allegedly led by notorious kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki, stormed Guga Village with what authorities described as a coordinated plan to destabilise the area.

He explained that intelligence reports had revealed that the attackers intended to first overpower local hunters and personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps stationed in the community before launching wider assaults on Bakori town and surrounding villages.

However, security agencies had reportedly been monitoring the group’s activities through sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance operations, enabling a swift response.

“The timely deployment of joint hunters and Community Watch Corps personnel helped frustrate the attackers’ plans. A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, forcing the bandits to retreat,” Mu’azu said.

The commissioner disclosed that more than 40 suspected bandits were neutralised during the confrontation. Follow-up intelligence assessments also indicated that at least eight senior commanders within the criminal network were among those killed.

He further revealed that the suspected gang leader, Idi Abasu Aiki, is believed to have suffered severe gunshot wounds during the encounter and may be fighting for his life.

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Mu’azu noted that the successful operation came barely weeks after another security offensive on July 7 at Dawan Laila Village, also in Bakori LGA, where the same criminal network reportedly suffered substantial losses.

He described Sunday’s attack as a desperate effort by the bandits to recover from previous setbacks and undermine the community-based security framework established by the Katsina State Government.

Following the operation, security personnel have launched clearance missions across the area to recover weapons and other materials abandoned by the fleeing suspects. Surveillance has also been intensified to prevent any retaliatory attacks or renewed threats.

Despite the victory, the commissioner expressed grief over the loss of five members of the hunters’ team who were killed during the operation.

According to him, the hunters were fatally shot after they were caught outside the frontline while attending to personal shopping activities.

“These courageous patriots paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our communities. On behalf of the government and the people of Katsina State, I condole with the families of the fallen hunters,” Mu’azu said.

He assured residents that normalcy has been restored in Guga Village and other affected communities, while reaffirming the state government's commitment to strengthening collaborative security efforts aimed at safeguarding lives and property across Katsina State.