At least 24 bandits were reportedly killed after security operatives foiled an attempt to abduct residents of Gidan Bawa village in Kandarawa Ward, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, about 40 gunmen loyal to notorious bandit kingpin Isiya Kwashen Garwa invaded the community on Tuesday, targeting women and children for mass abduction.

The operation involved the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Katsina Community Watch Corps and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) from Guga camp.

The security forces reportedly acted on intelligence about the planned attack and ambushed the bandits, killing 24 of them and rescuing villagers who had been abducted.

The operatives also recovered 19 stolen cattle during the operation, while efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing bandits.