DSS, Community Vigilantes Neutralize Bandit Kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki, 60 Others in Katsina

An intelligence-led operation by the Department of State Services (DSS), has resulted in the death of over 60 suspected bandits in Bakori Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Security sources disclosed that one notorious bandit kingpin, Idi Abasu Aiki, believed to be responsible for several cases of attacks by bandits in the Northwest states of Katsina and Zamfara States, was among those neutralized during the operation.

According to the sources, the operation was backed by members of the Katsina State Community vigilantes and specially-trained hunters, of which four of them were killed by the bandits.

Said one of the sources, “Over 200 armed bandits led by kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki stormed Guga village in Bakori LGA of Katsina State.
“Assisted by several bandits from the Ado Aleru band in Zamfara State, the bandits were out to attack communities they believed had been supporting Community Watch Corps protecting the surrounding villages,” offered the source.
Early last month, the bandits suffered heavy casualties at Dawan Laila village, Bakori LGA, in the hands of the hunters.. The bandits, therefore, were out on a reprisal mission to dislodge the frontline community’s defence group, and thereafter proceed to inflict mass casualties on surrounding villages, the source added.

He continued, “Unknown to the bandits, the DSS had water-tight intelligence plans. The over 200 armed bandits literally walked into a trap. Over 60 of them, including Idi Abasu Aiki and 14 of their top commanders, didn’t come out of that trap alive.”
Another security source disclosed that the DSS and their support security groups undertook massive clearance operation to recover weapons and other items of concern abandoned by the bandits.

DSS, Community Vigilantes Neutralize Bandit Kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki, 60 Others in Katsina

Troops clear suspected terrorist hideouts in Yobe, deny insurgents freedom of movement

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have conducted a clearance operation in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State following intelligence on the suspected convergence of terrorists in the area.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 2:10 p.m. on Aug. 1 by troops of B Company, Kanama, 159 Task Force Battalion, supported by members of the National Forest Guards.

The sources said the troops, mounted on one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle and three gun trucks, advanced to Garin Gada village and Bulagra village to clear the area and deny terrorists freedom of action.

Although no contact was made with suspected insurgents during the operation, troops thoroughly searched the locations as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and prevent the establishment of hideouts.

According to the sources, interactions with residents of both communities indicated that there were no Boko Haram camps within the immediate vicinity. However, the locals disclosed that terrorist elements occasionally passed through the villages for administrative and logistical purposes.

After completing the clearance mission, the troops returned safely to base at about 4:37 p.m.

Military sources said the operation forms part of sustained offensive efforts under Operation HADIN KAI to dominate vulnerable areas and prevent terrorists from regrouping across the North-East.

They added that the overall security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops continue to maintain high morale and operational readiness.

Troops clear suspected terrorist hideouts in Yobe, deny insurgents freedom of movement

Troops repel terrorist attack on FOB in Zamfara, rescue nine abductees

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Kasuwan Daji in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and rescuing nine abducted civilians during a follow-up operation.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, the attempted infiltration occurred at about 1:40 a.m. on Aug. 2.

The statement said the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the military position, but vigilant troops detected the movement and responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the assailants to retreat in disarray.

It added that reinforcements were immediately deployed, after which troops launched a pursuit of the fleeing terrorists, who had abducted an unspecified number of residents from the surrounding community during the attack.

The military said the pursuit led to the successful rescue of nine abducted civilians, who were recovered safely.

The Army, however, confirmed that one Army officer and one Police officer were killed during the fierce exchange of fire.

It also disclosed that two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were airlifted for advanced medical treatment, adding that both personnel were in stable condition.

The statement noted that troops had secured and dominated the area and were conducting exploitation operations to determine the full extent of the terrorists’ casualties while ensuring the safety of nearby communities.

The Army described the failed assault as another major setback for the terrorists amid sustained military offensives across the North-West theatre, saying the outcome reflected the increasing difficulty armed groups face in mounting coordinated attacks against combat-ready troops.

The military also dismissed online reports claiming that six security personnel were killed in the incident, insisting that only one Army officer and one Police officer lost their lives during the operation.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and protecting vulnerable communities until lasting peace and security are restored across the North-West.

Source: Statement by Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, issued on Aug. 2, 2026.

Troops repel terrorist attack on FOB in Zamfara, rescue nine abductees