The Katsina State Police Command has foiled a cattle rustling operation and killed three suspected armed bandits during a gun battle in Rimi Local Government Area of the state.
However, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Rimi Division, CSP Muhammad Sani Kabir, was killed in the exchange of fire.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on February 13, 2026, when heavily armed bandits attacked Magaje village, firing sporadically and rustling livestock before fleeing.
The police said the DPO swiftly mobilised personnel, in collaboration with neighbouring divisions and military operatives, and moved to the area following a distress call. Security teams trailed the suspects to the outskirts of the village, where a gun duel ensued.
During the operation, the statement said, three of the suspected bandits were neutralised and all the rustled animals were recovered.
The statement noted that the DPO was fatally shot during the encounter, while another officer sustained a gunshot wound to the hand and was taken to hospital, where he is reportedly responding to treatment.
The Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, commended the courage and teamwork of the joint security personnel but condemned the loss of the officer. He described the late DPO as upright, dedicated and professional, and extended condolences to his family and colleagues.
He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts against banditry and related crimes.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs described those killed in the encounter as suspected cattle rustlers.
In a separate statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, the state government said the suspects invaded Magajen Gobir, prompting residents and security operatives to mount a joint response.
The confrontation reportedly continued into the early hours of the morning, leading to the recovery of most of the stolen cattle.
The rustlers were later tracked through Kuraye town toward Yanunko village in neighbouring Charanchi Local Government Area, where another exchange of gunfire occurred.
According to the government, two men and several young girls were shot during the attacks in Magaji town, while multiple livestock were recovered through combined community and security efforts.
The statement added that the late DPO personally led the pursuit of the suspects. His rifle reportedly malfunctioned during the gunfight, after which he was shot by a bandit leader identified as Maigemu, said to be a wanted suspect who had previously rejected peace accords and enforced illegal control in parts of the state.
Three injured security personnel are currently receiving treatment at Katsina Teaching Hospital, while the remains of the slain officer were released to his family in Zaria for burial. The government described his death as a heroic sacrifice in the line of duty.
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