Katsina Times
Fourteen suspected bandits have been killed during a gun battle with community hunters who repelled an attack in Gidan Wawo village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, the state government has said.
The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, October 23, 2026.
According to the statement, security intelligence received at about 1:28 a.m. on Friday indicated that 26 armed men travelling on 13 motorcycles and allegedly led by a man identified as Isiya Kwashen Garwa were moving towards Dawan Laila forest in Bakori.
The intelligence prompted security agencies in the local government area to go on alert over a suspected plan to abduct residents in neighbouring communities.
At about 1:31 p.m., reports emerged that the armed men had attacked a vehicle belonging to Jamilu Lawal, 50, who was travelling with three other people from Kakumi Ward to Illela market in Sokoto State.
The attackers reportedly set the vehicle ablaze.
Community hunters from Gidan Wawo were mobilised and engaged the suspected bandits in a gun battle, resulting in the deaths of 14 of the armed men, according to the government.
Lawal died in the burning vehicle, while the other three passengers were rescued.
The statement said one community hunter, Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda, 29, was killed during the confrontation. Another hunter, Usman Sunday, 25, sustained minor gunshot injuries and was receiving treatment.
The commissioner said intelligence reports indicated a possible reprisal attack by the armed group following the casualties.
He added that the state government was working with security agencies to prevent further attacks and address potential threats in the area.
The government urged residents to remain calm and provide security agencies with timely and credible information.
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