A Divisional Police Officer in Katsina State has lost his life following a fierce exchange of gunfire with armed bandits, marking another deadly confrontation in the state’s battle against rural insecurity.
Police authorities confirmed that the slain officer, CSP Muhammad Sani-Kabir, who headed operations in Rimi Local Government Area, died while leading a joint security response to an armed attack on a farming community.
Three suspected bandits were also killed during the confrontation.
According to the spokesperson of the Katsina State Police Command, DSP Aliyu Abubakar, the assailants stormed Magaje village in the afternoon, firing indiscriminately before making away with livestock.
“Once the distress report reached the division, the DPO immediately mobilised his men alongside neighbouring units and military personnel,” the spokesman said.
“They tracked the attackers and engaged them in a gun duel that disrupted their escape.”
Security operatives eventually overpowered the suspects, killing three of them and recovering the stolen animals.
However, the operation came at a high cost.
“The DPO sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the exchange,” Abubakar said.
“Another officer was injured in the hand but is receiving treatment and responding positively.”
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bello Shehu, praised what he described as the “extraordinary bravery and unity of purpose” demonstrated by the joint team.
He maintained that the fallen officer died in active service while protecting residents.
“This is a painful loss to the command and the nation,” Shehu said. “He was a disciplined and principled officer who led from the front.”
The police chief also extended condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased, vowing that operations against banditry in Katsina would intensify.
Bandit attacks, particularly cattle rustling and armed raids on villages, have remained a security challenge across parts of north-west Nigeria.
Authorities say coordinated security operations are ongoing to curb the violence and restore confidence among rural communities.