At least 14 bandits have reportedly been killed after local hunters repelled an attempt to abduct residents of Gidan Wawo village in Kakumi Ward, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Nasir Mu’azu, the state commissioner for internal security and home affairs, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

He stated that at about 1:28 a.m. on Friday, intelligence revealed the movement of 26 armed bandits on 13 motorcycles, led by one Isiya Kwashen Garwa, towards Dawan Laila forest in Bakori LGA.

According to him, based on the intelligence, all security assets in Bakori LGA were immediately placed on alert to prevent a planned mass kidnapping in neighbouring communities.

“At about 1331hrs on the same date, reports were received of an attack in which the bandits burnt a private vehicle belonging to one Jamilu Lawal, aged 50, conveying three others travelling to Illela market in Sokoto State from Kakumi ward,” Mr Mu’azu said.

The commissioner explained that hunters from Gidan Wawo were mobilised and engaged the criminals in a gun duel, adding that the operation led to the neutralisation of 14 bandits.

“Regrettably, we lost one gallant community hunter, Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda, aged 29, who paid the supreme price in defence of the community.

“One other hunter, Usman Sunday, aged 25, sustained minor gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment,” he noted.

Mr Mu’azu said a victim identified as Jamilu Lawal was burnt to death in the vehicle during the rescue operation, while three other victims were successfully rescued.

He noted that intelligence revealed plans for a possible reprisal attack by the bandits following the heavy casualties suffered.

The commissioner said the state government, in collaboration with all security agencies, had put appropriate countermeasures in place to neutralise any further threats in the area.