Saturday, February 14 2026 - The Divisional Police Officer of Rimi local government area of Katsina State, CSP Muhammad Sani Sagir Maude was k!lled while leading an operation against suspected cattle rustlers.
The incident occurred on Friday morning, February 13, 2026
after the officer and his team responded to a distress call over cattle
rustling in Magaji town, under Maje-Gobir Ward.
The Commissioner for Katsina State Ministry of Internal
Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, who confirmed the incident in a
statement on Friday said three rustlers were neutralised during the joint
operation involving security operatives and community members.
According to Mu'azu, the gallant DPO was fatally shot by one
of the rustlers, identified as their leader, Maigemu, after his rifle
reportedly malfunctioned during the gun duel.
“The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home
Affairs confirms that three cattle rustlers were neutralised during a joint
operation involving security operatives and community members in Rimi Local
Government Area,” the statement read.
"The Ministry expresses deep sorrow over the d3ath of
the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rimi, CSP Muhammad Sani Kabir, who was
k!lled in the line of duty while leading the operation.
"According to credible sources in Rimi LGA, late-night
reports were received from community leaders—including the ward councillor, APC
members, the Village Head of Karare, and the District Head of Rimi—about
suspected rustlers in Magaji town, under Maje-Gobir Ward.
"Upon verification, the DPO immediately mobilised
security operatives to the area. The suspects reportedly invaded Magajen Gobir,
prompting residents to organise and confront them.
"The ensuing confrontation lasted into the early hours
of the morning, coinciding with Subh (dawn) prayers, during which most of the
stolen cattle were recovered.
"By morning, the rustlers lost their way and moved
toward neighbouring Charanchi Local Government Area, passing through Kuraye
town to Yanunko village.
"Another exchange of gunfire occurred between the
criminals and local residents. Reports indicate that in Magaji town, the
rustlers shot two men and several young girls, though many of the stolen
animals were recovered thanks to the combined efforts of the community and
security operatives. Later, security operatives, supported by local vigilantes,
engaged the rustlers again.
"The DPO personally led the operation to the suspects’
location. During the gun battle, his rifle reportedly malfunctioned, and he was
fatally shot by one of the rustlers, identified as their leader, Maigemu.
"Maigemu was among the bandits in Katsina State who
refused to accept the peace accord. Security operatives have been actively
pursuing him, as he continues to evade capture and reportedly enforces his own
unlawful rules in the area.
"Three security personnel injured during the operation
are receiving treatment at Katsina Teaching Hospital.
"The remains of the late officer were taken to a
medical facility for examination before being transferred to his family in
Zaria, Kaduna State, for burial.
"The Ministry mourns the loss of CSP Muhammad Sani
Kabir and prays for Almighty Allah to grant him Aljannatul Firdausi, noting
that his sacrifice in the line of duty will not be forgotten.
“The Ministry commends the courage of security personnel and
community members and reaffirms Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s commitment to
supporting all efforts to rid the state of criminals and ensure residents’
safety."
0 Comments