Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Radda, commends the military, Department of State Services (DSS) and vigilantes for foiling a planned mass kidnapping in Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, Bakori Local Government Area of the state.
The intelligence-led operation results in the neutralisation of 18 armed bandits and the recovery of weapons and rustled livestock, according to the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mua’su.
Mua’su says security forces act on credible intelligence about plans by the criminals to abduct residents for ransom.
“The operation was intelligence-driven. Acting on credible information about planned mass abduction for ransom by the criminal group, our forces laid ambush using operational assets and engaged the bandits,” the commissioner says.
He identifies the suspected leader of the group as Musa Duki, a former school headmaster who, according to the commissioner, becomes a bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.
Items recovered during the operation include one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and three motorcycles.
The security forces also recover two cows and 94 sheep believed to have been rustled.
According to Mua’su, Governor Radda commends the security personnel for their gallantry and assures residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the alleged kingpin and dismantle his network.
He says a sustained covert operation is being conducted to track the suspect and clear criminal hideouts across the affected areas.
“Efforts are ongoing by the Military and the DSS to identify other members of the network, locate their hideouts and thwart further kidnapping operations in Bakori, Faskari and neighbouring communities,” the commissioner says.
