Bandit kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki killed

Notorious bandit leader Idi Abasu Aiki and more than 60 suspected bandits have reportedly been killed during a security operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security sources said the intelligence-led operation involved personnel of the Department of State Services, members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps and specially trained local hunters.

The operation followed intelligence that more than 200 armed bandits, led by Aiki and supported by fighters linked to the Ado Aleru gang in Zamfara State, were advancing towards Guga village.

The attackers were reportedly planning a reprisal assault on communities accused of supporting local security groups operating in the area.

According to the sources, security operatives had received prior information about the planned attack and positioned their personnel to confront the group.

The ensuing gun battle reportedly left Aiki, 14 of his commanders and more than 60 other suspected bandits dead.

The operation followed an earlier confrontation in Dawan Laila village, where local hunters reportedly inflicted heavy casualties on the armed group.

Security personnel later conducted clearance operations in the area and recovered weapons and other items allegedly abandoned by fleeing members of the gang.

Four members of the Community Watch Corps and local hunters were also reported killed during the confrontation.