Bandits ambush police patrol in Katsina, four officers killed

By: Zagazola Makama

Four police officers were killed and two others injured when suspected armed bandits ambushed a patrol along the Guga–Bakori road in Katsina State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama on Wednesday that the attack occurred on Jan. 27 at about 12:45 p.m., targeting operatives of the 27 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Guga Camp, during a routine patrol.

According to the source, the driver of the patrol vehicle lost control after coming under fire, causing the vehicle to crash by the roadside. Officers who died on the spot were identified as UC ASP Abubakar Abdullahi, Insp. Umar Ahmed, and Sgt. Kailani Kabir.

The source added that the assailants carted away the officers’ weapons, including an AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds, a Tokarev pistol with eight rounds, and a long-range gunner rifle.

Two other officers sustained injuries: Cpl. Daniel Japet sustained a fracture, while Cpl. Abdulaziz Sani suffered a gunshot wound.

The Area Commander, Funtua, promptly mobilised joint police alongside troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to the scene. Victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Funtua, for autopsy and medical treatment.

Security forces have blocked all potential exit routes, and cordon-and-search operations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the missing arms.

Bandits ambush police patrol in Katsina, four officers killed

Rival bandit leaders clash as key peace enforcer is killed in Jibia axis, Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

A prominent bandit leader and key enforcer of a fragile peace arrangement in Jibia, Katsina State, Abdullahi Lantai, also known as “Lantai Officer”, has been killed in a deadly ambush linked to a rival gang.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama on Wednesday that Lantai was executed on Jan. 27 at about 1:00 p.m. by gunmen believed to be loyal to the Bello Turji-led network operating across Sokoto and Zamfara states.

According to the sources, Lantai was lured to what was described as a dialogue and reconciliation meeting following a rivalry clash between his group and the Turji faction on Jan. 24.

“The meeting was reportedly arranged by Turji and Aliyu Aliero to resolve the conflict. However, Lantai and some of his foot soldiers were ambushed and killed on their way to the venue by members of the Turji network led by Dogo Rabe and Black,” a source said.

Preliminary findings indicate that before his assassination, Lantai played a critical role in sustaining a temporary peace deal with bandit leaders in Jibia in collaboration with the Katsina State Government.

“He was a territorial gatekeeper who denied Turji’s gang freedom of action and passage through Jibia forest routes.

“He also blocked transit routes used to move rustled cattle from Zamfara to Maradi in the Republic of Niger, effectively constraining Turji’s operations within the axis,” the source added.

Zagazola warn that the killing could trigger a major escalation in violence across the Jibia axis and its environs.

“This is a calculated power grab. The Turji network appears determined to eliminate a stabilising force and expand its influence, smuggling routes and criminal economy into Katsina State,” the source said.

The threat level in the Jibia axis has now been assessed as high, with strong indications of possible retaliatory attacks by Lantai’s faction and pre-emptive assaults by Turji’s forces to consolidate control.

Residents fear that the relative calm previously enjoyed in the area may give way to renewed instability marked by kidnappings, cattle rustling and attacks on communities as rival groups struggle for dominance.

Zagazola learnt that security agencies are said to be reviewing the situation with a view to deploying robust countermeasures to prevent a total breakdown of the fragile peace in the coming days.

Rival bandit leaders clash as key peace enforcer is killed in Jibia axis, Katsina

Troops raid bandits’ hideout in Plateau, neutralise notorious kidnapper

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 2 of Operation OPEP have raided a suspected bandits’ hideout at Nahuta Village, Kadarko District in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, neutralising a notorious kidnapper during the operation.

A security source told Zagazola Makama on Wednesday that the raid was carried out on Tuesday night, Jan. 27, at about 8:30 p.m., following actionable intelligence.

According to the source, the troops came under fire from the criminals on arrival at the hideout but responded with superior firepower, forcing the bandits to flee in disarray.

“In the process, one bandit was neutralised. He was later confirmed to be a notorious kidnapper identified as Mr Timchak Zindang, who had been terrorising the general area,” the source said.

Items recovered from the scene included two locally fabricated rifles, eight cartridges, three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and one desert camouflage uniform.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the criminal syndicate was responsible for several criminal activities, including kidnapping, cattle rustling and armed robbery along the Wase–Bashir road and its environs.

The source added that efforts were ongoing to track down the other fleeing members of the gang, while further investigation into the network was in progress.

Troops raid bandits’ hideout in Plateau, neutralise notorious kidnapper