By our reporter 25.10.2026
Community hunters from Gida Wawo in Bakori Local Government area of Katsina State have engaged bandits who attempted to kidnap residents of the area and travelling passengers.
According to the Katsina State government 14 of the bandits led by suspected kingpin, Isiya Kwashen Garwa were gunned down as they fled. The heavily armed bandits, 26 in number had stormed the community at about 1:28 a.m. on Friday riding on 13 motorcycles.
The community hunters from Gidan Wawo were mobilised and engaged the fleeing attackers in a gun battle, killing 14 suspected bandits and rescuing three passengers alive from a travelling vehicle they set on fire.
However, the hunters lost 29-year-old Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda in the fight back. Also, a 50-year-old traveller Jamilu Lawal died from burns sustained in the vehicle fire.
Another hunter, 25-year-old Usman Sunday, sustained minor gunshot injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
The government said intelligence reports indicated possible reprisal following the bandits’ losses. It added that countermeasures had been activated in collaboration with security agencies to prevent further threats.
Commending the security personnel and community hunters for their intervention, the government said their actions prevented what could have been a devastating mass kidnapping.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, the government urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and to continue providing timely, credible intelligence to security agencies. It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.