Troops Eliminate Notorious Bandit Leader Guddel In Kaduna, Hostages Escape Amid Infighting In Katsina
In a significant breakthrough in the fight against banditry in northern Nigeria, security forces have reportedly neutralized one of the most feared bandit leaders, known simply as Guddel, along with his brother, during a recent military operation in Kaduna State.
This information was shared by prominent security analyst, Bakatsine, via a post on X (formerly Twitter), where he detailed the elimination of the notorious criminal who had long been a thorn in the side of authorities and communities across Kaduna and neighboring regions.
“Troops have eliminated notorious bandit Guddel and his brother in Kaduna,” Bakatsine revealed.
Who Was Guddel?
Guddel was a high-profile target, reportedly responsible for orchestrating a wide array of criminal activities including mass abductions, armed attacks on villages, and extortion schemes in Kaduna and beyond. His operations stretched into neighboring states, and he had built a reputation as a ruthless enforcer within the bandit networks operating in the region.
His death marks a critical victory for security agencies who have struggled in recent years to dismantle the bandit networks terrorizing communities in the North-West.
Although no official statement has yet been released by the Nigerian military or defense authorities at the time of this report, Bakatsine’s announcement has been widely shared and welcomed by observers familiar with the security situation in Kaduna.
Infighting Among Bandits Leads to Hostage Escape in Katsina
In a related incident, internal conflicts among bandit groups in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State have reportedly led to the escape of several hostages who were abducted earlier from Kankara, a town infamous for previous mass kidnappings.
Bakatsine noted in a follow-up post:
“Infighting among Danmusa bandits also helped hostages from Kankara escape. Many bandits, including a top leader, were killed in the clash.”
While full details are still emerging, sources suggest that a violent dispute broke out between rival factions, creating chaos within the camp and giving captives the opportunity to flee. The internal discord is believed to have stemmed from disagreements over ransom proceeds and territorial control — a growing issue as competition intensifies among criminal groups.
The Bigger Picture: Signs of Progress?
The recent developments in both Kaduna and Katsina could point to a shift in momentum for Nigeria’s security forces, who have come under fire in recent years for failing to curtail the spread of banditry, particularly in the North-West.
The death of Guddel, if confirmed officially, could deal a major blow to bandit operations in the area, potentially destabilizing the networks he oversaw. Meanwhile, infighting among rival gangs, though dangerous, also suggests weakening cohesion and rising desperation among the armed groups.
Security experts have long emphasized the importance of both kinetic military actions and psychological operations to dismantle these groups. These latest events appear to show that pressure from both fronts may be beginning to yield results.
Awaiting Official Confirmation
As of the time of publication, no formal statement has been issued by Nigeria’s military or police authorities regarding the elimination of Guddel or the rescue of hostages in Katsina. However, sources suggest that announcements may follow after further verification and strategic assessments.
The public, particularly those in affected communities, continues to watch closely, hoping these gains signal a turning point in the ongoing struggle to restore peace and safety across Nigeria’s troubled northern regions.
