Nigeria: Bandit Kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki, 60 Others Killed in Katsina Raid

What the report says

Vanguard, republished by AllAfrica, reported that an intelligence-led operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State killed a suspected bandit leader, Idi Abasu Aiki, and more than 60 other alleged fighters. The account said the raid involved the Department of State Services, Katsina State Community Vigilantes, and specially trained local hunters.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the operation came after intelligence suggested that more than 200 armed bandits were gathering for a reprisal attack on communities accused of backing local security groups. The group was said to have moved into Guga village, with additional fighters reportedly linked to the Ado Aleru gang in neighbouring Zamfara State.

Makama said the security teams set an ambush after learning of the planned assault. He said over 60 suspected bandits, including Aiki and 14 commanders, were killed in the exchange. The report also said four members of the community vigilante and local hunter teams died during the fighting.

If accurate, the incident underscores the continuing violence in northwest Nigeria, where armed groups have carried out raids, retaliatory attacks and kidnappings across rural communities. The report said weapons and other items were later recovered during clearance operations, though details could not be independently verified from the provided text.