Police Officer, Three Bandits Killed In Katsina Gun Battle
The Katsina State Police Command has foiled a cattle rustling operation and neutralised three suspected armed bandits following a gun battle in Rimi Native Authorities Space of the state.
Additionally, operatives of the Division of State Providers (DSS) in Kano State have efficiently rescued a five-year-old boy, Muhammad Haruna, who had been kidnapped from Danzaki Village in Minjibir Native Authorities Space.
The Katsina Command, nevertheless, misplaced a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in control of Rimi Native Authorities Space, CSP Muhammad Sani Kabir, throughout the gun duel.
In an announcement issued on Friday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, stated the incident occurred within the early hours of February 13, 2026, at about 2:00a.m.
It stated the closely armed bandits reportedly invaded Magaje Village in Rimi LGA, taking pictures sporadically and rustling various livestocks earlier than fleeing the scene.
The assertion additional stated that upon receiving the misery report, the DPO of Rimi Division swiftly mobilised officers in collaboration with neighbouring police divisions and navy personnel and moved to the realm.
It added that the safety operatives tracked the fleeing suspects to the outskirts of Magaje Village, the place they engaged them in a gun duel.
Throughout the trade, the assertion stated, three suspected bandits have been neutralised, whereas all of the rustled animals have been efficiently recovered.
It added, “Regrettably, the DPO was fatally shot by the bandits, and one policeman sustained a gunshot harm to his hand. The injured officer has been rushed to the closest hospital for medical consideration and is responding to remedy.
“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Bello Shehu, psc, fdc, MNIM, whereas commending the act of valour and camaraderie displayed by the joint safety crew, condemned the unlucky incident.
“He mourns the lack of the officer, describing him as an upright, trustworthy, {and professional} police officer, as he condoles with the instant household and associates of the deceased officers.”
The assertion quoted the commissioner as urging members of the general public to proceed to help safety businesses with well timed and credible data to assist ongoing efforts to curb banditry and associated crimes.
However, in a separate assertion, the Katsina State Authorities described the bandits killed throughout the encounter as suspected cattle rustlers.
The assertion, signed by the state Commissioner for Inner Safety and Residence Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, stated three cattle rustlers have been neutralised throughout a joint operation involving safety operatives and group members.
“The suspects reportedly invaded Magajen Gobir, prompting residents to organise and confront them. The following confrontation lasted into the early hours of the morning, coinciding with Subh (daybreak) prayers, throughout which a lot of the stolen cattle have been recovered.
“By morning, the rustlers misplaced their method and moved towards neighbouring Charanchi Native Authorities Space, passing by Kuraye city to Yanunko Village. One other trade of gunfire occurred between the criminals and native residents.
“Reviews point out that in Magaji city, the rustlers shot two males and a number of other younger ladies, although lots of the stolen animals have been recovered because of the mixed efforts of the group and safety operatives,” the assertion stated.
It added that the slain DPO personally led the operation to the suspects’ location “throughout the gun battle, his rifle reportedly malfunctioned, and he was fatally shot by one of many rustlers, recognized as their chief, Maigemu.”
He described Maigemu as a infamous bandit chief who had earlier rejected peace accords and was wished by safety businesses for imposing unlawful management in elements of the state.
He stated three injured safety personnel are at the moment receiving remedy at Katsina Educating Hospital, whereas the stays of the late DPO have been taken for medical examination earlier than being launched to his household in Zaria for burial.
The commissioner expressed deep sorrow over the officer’s loss of life, describing his sacrifice as heroic and in service to public security.
In the meantime, safety sources disclosed that the abductors of the minor in Kano had demanded a ransom of N15 million from the kid’s household.
The rescue operation was launched following a proper criticism acquired by authorities relating to the kidnapping and the unknown location of the sufferer.
In accordance with the sources, the operation occurred at roughly 7:40p.m. on 12 February 2026.
Appearing swiftly, the DSS tactical crew tracked the abductors and carried out a coordinated mission that resulted within the secure restoration of the minor.
Throughout the operation, a 20-year-old suspect, recognized as Aminu Mukhtar, was arrested whereas allegedly negotiating the ransom cost with the sufferer’s father over a cell phone line.
Preliminary questioning revealed that the suspect admitted to abducting the kid with the intent to extort cash from the household.
The suspect stays in DSS custody as investigations proceed.
The rescued baby has been positioned beneath protecting care whereas authorities proceed with the required authorized and procedural actions associated to the case.
This profitable operation highlights the DSS’s ongoing dedication to safeguarding residents and swiftly responding to safety threats within the state
Francis Sardauna and Linus Aleke
Times Nigeria