A key bandit leader and peace enforcer in Jibia, Katsina State, Abdullahi Lantai, popularly known as “Lantai Officer,” has been killed in an ambush by gunmen believed to be loyal to the notorious Bello Turji network. Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that Lantai was executed on January 27, 2026, after being lured to a supposed reconciliation meeting.
According to sources, the meeting was arranged to resolve a clash between Lantai's faction and the Turji-led group from Sokoto and Zamfara. However, Lantai and some of his foot soldiers were ambushed en route by a hit squad led by Dogo Rabe and Black, who are linked to Turji.
Lantai had played a critical role in sustaining a fragile peace agreement with bandits in Jibia, collaborating with the Katsina State Government. He acted as a territorial gatekeeper, denying Turji's gang free passage through Jibia forest routes and blocking cattle rustling corridors to Niger Republic.
His assassination is feared to trigger a major escalation of violence in the area. Security agencies have assessed the threat level as high, with expectations of retaliatory attacks and a potential power struggle that could plunge the region into renewed kidnappings and community assaults.
Analysts warn that Turji's network is attempting to eliminate a stabilizing force and expand its criminal economy into Katsina, potentially collapsing the temporary peace enjoyed by residents.
#Katsina #Banditry #NigeriaSecurity #BelloTurji #Jibia #Violence #NorthWest #BreakingNews