At least 24 bandits have reportedly been killed after security operatives foiled an attempt to abduct residents of Gidan Bawa village in Kandarawa Ward, Bakori LGA of Katsina.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake-Chad region, about 40 gunmen loyal to notorious bandit kingpin Isiya Kwashen Garwa invaded the community on Tuesday to abduct several residents, particularly women and children.

Makama said the operation involving the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps followed intelligence that uncovered the planned attack.

The publication said the bandits had planned a mass abduction similar to the recent kidnapping of residents of Woro community in Kwara state.

Makama said the intelligence suggested that the planned abduction was intended to embarrass the government.

Acting on the information, DSS operatives mobilised members of the Community Watch Corps and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) from Guga camp to intercept the bandits.

Zagazola said the security operatives ambushed the gunmen, killing 24 of them and rescuing the villagers who had been abducted.

The operatives also recovered 19 stolen cattle during the operation.

Efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend the fleeing bandits, the publication added.

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