Security operatives in Katsina State have successfully repelled a large-scale bandit attack on Guga community in Bakori Local Government Area, killing more than 40 suspected bandits during a fierce gun battle, according to the state government.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Muazu, disclosed the development in a statement, describing the operation as a significant breakthrough in the state’s ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.

According to Muazu, the attack occurred at about 5:40 pm on Sunday, July 26, when more than 200 heavily armed bandits, reportedly led by notorious gang leader Idi Abasu Aiki and supported by members of the Ado Aleru group from neighbouring Zamfara State, stormed Guga village in what authorities described as a reprisal attack.

The commissioner said intelligence gathered before the assault enabled security forces to respond swiftly, leading to a coordinated operation that forced the attackers to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.

“During the confrontation, more than 40 bandits were killed, along with several top commanders of the criminal group,” Muazu stated.

He added that intelligence reports indicated that the attackers intended to eliminate local vigilantes and members of the Community Watch Corps protecting the area before extending their offensive to Bakori town and nearby communities.

“Thanks to improved intelligence gathering and surveillance by the state government, security forces were able to take swift coordinated action. This led to a fierce gun battle that forced the bandits to flee after suffering heavy casualties,” he said.

Muazu further revealed that nearly eight senior commanders of the criminal group were eliminated during the operation, while bandit leader Idi Abasu Aiki reportedly sustained severe gunshot injuries believed to be life-threatening.

The commissioner noted that the latest operation followed another successful security engagement on July 7, 2026, in Dawan Laila village, where the same criminal network was dealt a major blow by local vigilantes and the Community Watch Corps.

Following Sunday’s operation, security personnel launched clearance operations across the affected area to recover abandoned weapons and other items, while surveillance and patrols were intensified to prevent further attacks.

Despite the success, the operation came at a cost. Four members of the local vigilante group were killed after they were ambushed by the attackers while away from their frontline positions.

“The state government expressed deep sorrow over the death of four members of the vigilante group, who sacrificed their lives to protect their community and region,” Muazu said.

He extended the government’s condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the repose of the fallen vigilantes.

The Katsina State Government also assured residents that normalcy had returned to Guga and surrounding communities, reaffirming its commitment to working closely with security agencies to safeguard lives and property across the state.

“Peace has fully returned to the affected areas, and the government remains committed to strengthening collaboration with all security agencies to protect the lives and property of the people of Katsina State,” the commissioner affirmed.

The Kaduna State Government has condemned the killing of several people in Naridon Village, Kamaru Ward of Kauru Local Government Area, following an attack on the Kaduna-Plateau border community.

The government also directed security agencies to intensify operations to arrest those behind the attack and prevent further violence in the area.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, Governor Uba Sani said, “The Kaduna State Government condemns the killing of several persons in Naridon Village, Kamaru Ward of Kauru Local Government Area. This tragic attack, which also resulted in the destruction of property, is unacceptable.”

Governor Sani directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency to provide immediate relief and humanitarian assistance to families affected by the attack.

The statement said the state government had ordered security agencies to intensify efforts to track down and arrest those responsible for the killings.

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have rescued two kidnap victims abducted by suspected gunmen in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State following a swift intelligence-led operation.

The acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lt. Umar Muhammad, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Jalingo.

According to him, the rescue operation was launched in the early hours of Saturday after troops received credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers around the Lande Jessi axis of Lau LGA.

“The troops received reports that armed men attacked Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani villages, abducting two residents and carting away food items. A search-and-rescue operation was immediately launched, leading to the successful rescue of the victims,” Muhammad said.

The rescued victims, identified as Usman Mohammed and Usman Harusu, had reportedly spent about one week in captivity before regaining their freedom unharmed.

Muhammad noted that security forces were continuing efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.

The Commander of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, Brig.-Gen. Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response.

“The troops have once again demonstrated professionalism, courage and resilience in responding swiftly to credible intelligence and rescuing the victims. This operation is another demonstration of the military’s resolve to protect lives and property,” Akaliro said.

He added that the operation aligns with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, to sustain offensive operations against criminal elements across the country.

He also appealed to residents of Taraba State to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to strengthen the fight against kidnapping, banditry and other forms of violent crime.

The rescue is part of the Nigerian Army’s intensified intelligence-driven operations across Taraba State aimed at improving security and protecting communities from criminal activities.