A prominent bandit leader and key enforcer of a fragile peace arrangement in Jibia, Katsina State, Abdullahi Lantai-popularly known as “Lantai Officer”—has been killed in a deadly ambush allegedly carried out by a rival gang.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that Lantai was killed on January 27, 2026, 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 presented as a dialogue and reconciliation meeting following a violent clash between his group and the Turji faction on January 24.
“The meeting was reportedly arranged by Bello 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 prior to his death, Lantai played a crucial role in sustaining a temporary peace deal with bandit leaders in Jibia, in collaboration with the Katsina State Government.
“He acted as a territorial gatekeeper, denying Turji’s gang freedom of movement and access through Jibia forest routes,” the source explained.
“He also blocked transit corridors used to move rustled cattle from Zamfara to Maradi in the Republic of Niger, significantly constraining Turji’s operations within the axis.”
Zagazola Makama warned that Lantai’s killing could trigger a major escalation of violence across the Jibia axis and surrounding areas.
“This appears to be a calculated power grab. The Turji network is intent on eliminating a stabilising force and expanding its influence, smuggling routes and criminal economy into Katsina State,” the source added.
The threat level in the Jibia axis has now been assessed as high, with strong indications of possible retaliatory attacks by Lantai’s faction, as well as pre-emptive strikes 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 also learnt that security agencies are reviewing the situation and considering the deployment of robust countermeasures to prevent a complete breakdown of the fragile peace in the coming days.
