An intelligence-led operation by the Department of State Services (DSS), supported by community vigilantes and hunters, has resulted in the killing of a notorious bandit kingpin, Idi Abasu Aiki, and more than 60 other suspected bandits in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security sources said Aiki, who was allegedly linked to a series of attacks across Katsina and Zamfara states, was among those killed during the operation.

According to the sources, the operation involved personnel of the Katsina State Community Vigilantes and specially trained hunters, four of whom lost their lives during the gun battle.

A security source said more than 200 armed bandits, led by Aiki and reinforced by fighters loyal to another notorious bandit leader, Ado Aleru, had invaded Guga village in Bakori LGA.

The attackers were reportedly targeting communities accused of supporting local security groups protecting villages in the area.

The source recalled that the same bandit network had suffered heavy casualties at Dawan Laila village in Bakori LGA during a clash with local hunters early last month.

According to the source, the latest attack was intended as a reprisal aimed at dismantling the community’s defence network before launching attacks on neighbouring villages.

However, the source said the DSS had obtained intelligence ahead of the planned assault and laid an ambush for the attackers.

“The more than 200 armed bandits literally walked into a trap,” the source said.

According to the security sources, more than 60 suspected bandits, including Idi Abasu Aiki and 14 senior commanders, were killed during the operation.

Another source said the DSS and its supporting security teams subsequently conducted a clearance operation in the area, recovering weapons and other items allegedly abandoned by the fleeing bandits.

The DSS has yet to issue an official statement on the operation.