A prominent bandit leader known as Abdullahi Lantai, popularly called “Lantai Officer”, has been killed in Katsina State.
According to security sources, Lantai was ambushed and shot dead on January 27, 2026, in the Jibia area.
The attack is linked to gunmen believed to be loyal to notorious bandit commander Bello Turji, whose network operates across parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states.
Lantai had been involved in a fragile peace arrangement in the Jibia axis with other groups and the Katsina State Government.
He was reportedly targeted as rival factions sought control of territory and smuggling routes, undermining ongoing peace efforts.
Security analysts warn the killing could fuel further violence and destabilise the already volatile region.
