DSS kills bandit kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki

In Bakori Local Government Area of Nigeria — Katsina State, Nigeria, a joint security operation involving the United States — United States Department of State (DSS), the Nigeria — Katsina State Community Watch Corps, the Katsina State Community Vigilantes, and local hunters foiled a planned reprisal attack by over 200 armed bandits led by kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki, supported by the Ado Aleru group from Nigeria — Zamfara State. According to security sources and analyst Zagazola Makama, the DSS laid a trap based on intelligence, resulting in the deaths of over 60 bandits, including Aiki and 14 of his top commanders. Four vigilantes and hunters were also killed. The attack was reportedly retaliation for an earlier confrontation at Dawan Laila village. Security forces conducted clearance operations, recovering weapons abandoned by the fleeing bandits. The operation highlights the reliance on community-based security initiatives in Nigeria's fight against banditry.