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Rival bandit leaders clash as key peace enforcer is killed in Jibia axis, Katsina 

By: Zagazola Makama

A prominent bandit leader and key enforcer of a fragile peace arrangement in Jibia, Katsina State, Abdullahi Lantai, also known as “Lantai Officer”, has been killed in a deadly ambush linked to a rival gang.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama on Wednesday that Lantai was executed on Jan. 27 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 described as a dialogue and reconciliation meeting following a rivalry clash between his group and the Turji faction on Jan. 24.

“The meeting was reportedly arranged by 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 before his assassination, Lantai played a critical role in sustaining a temporary peace deal with bandit leaders in Jibia in collaboration with the Katsina State Government.

“He was a territorial gatekeeper who denied Turji’s gang freedom of action and passage through Jibia forest routes.

“He also blocked transit routes used to move rustled cattle from Zamfara to Maradi in the Republic of Niger, effectively constraining Turji’s operations within the axis,” the source added.

Zagazola warn that the killing could trigger a major escalation in violence across the Jibia axis and its environs.

“This is a calculated power grab. The Turji network appears determined to eliminate a stabilising force and expand its influence, smuggling routes and criminal economy into Katsina State,” the source said.

The threat level in the Jibia axis has now been assessed as high, with strong indications of possible retaliatory attacks by Lantai’s faction and pre-emptive assaults 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 learnt that security  agencies are said to be reviewing the situation with a view to deploying robust countermeasures to prevent a total breakdown of the fragile peace in the coming days.