The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs said hunters killed 14 suspected bandits in northwestern Nigeria, as a traveler and a hunter died and authorities warned of possible retaliation.
The ministry said the clash occurred in Gidan Wawo village, Bakori Local Government Area, on Friday, Oct. 23. It identified the hunter who died as Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda, 29, and said Jamilu Lawal, 50, died while traveling by vehicle with three others from Kakumi Ward toward Illela market in Sokoto State. The other three travelers were rescued.
Before the clash, officials in Bakori had increased security readiness after a warning of a possible mass kidnapping in nearby communities, the ministry said. The warning described 26 armed men traveling on 13 motorcycles toward Dawan Laila forest and named Isiya Kwashen Garwa as their leader.
Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Dr. Nasir Mu’azu said intelligence pointed to a possible reprisal following the armed group’s losses. The ministry said it coordinated countermeasures with security agencies but did not provide details. It said Usman Sunday, 25, was wounded and receiving treatment.
