A Divisional Police Officer, CSP Muhammad Sani Sagir, has been killed in an ambush by suspected bandits during an operation in Rimi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The attack occurred on Friday morning in Magaji community, Majen-Gobir ward, after the officer and his team responded to a distress call over cattle rustling in the area.
Security sources said the operatives pursued the suspects into a nearby forest in a bid to recover stolen livestock. However, they reportedly walked into a heavy ambush and came under intense gunfire.
CSP Sagir was critically injured during the exchange and later died from his wounds. Three other individuals — including police officers and a woman — were also said to have sustained injuries in the attack. The wounded victims have been taken to hospital for treatment.
The attackers allegedly escaped with additional livestock. However, local sources indicated that one suspected bandit was killed during the gun battle, while some of the rustled cattle were recovered by security personnel.
A manhunt has reportedly been launched to apprehend the fleeing assailants.
Reacting to the development, a Northwest-based security analyst, Bakatsine, described the incident as a grim reflection of the worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria. He noted that the killing underscores the risks security operatives face, particularly in rural communities plagued by cattle rustling and banditry.
According to him, improved intelligence gathering, better equipment, and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities are critical to preventing similar attacks.
The death of the senior officer has renewed concerns about the frequency of banditry in parts of the North-West, where cattle rustling continues to fuel violence and deadly confrontations.
Residents have expressed growing fears over their safety, calling for increased security presence and proactive strategies to curb the activities of armed groups operating from forest hideouts.
As of the time of this report, the police command in Katsina State had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
