Abdullahi Lantai, popularly known as “Lantai Officer,” a notorious bandit leader and key enforcer of a fragile peace arrangement in Jibia, Katsina State, has been killed in a deadly ambush linked to a rival gang.
Security sources informed Zagazola Makama that Lantai was shot dead on January 27, 2026, around 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 had been invited to a reconciliation meeting arranged to resolve tensions following a clash between his faction and the Turji group on January 24.
“The meeting, reportedly organised by Turji and Aliyu Aliero, was intended to settle the dispute. However, Lantai and some of his men were ambushed and killed en route by members of Turji’s network, led by Dogo Rabe and Black,” a source said.
Prior to his death, Lantai played a critical role in maintaining a temporary peace deal with bandit leaders in Jibia in coordination with the Katsina State Government. He acted as a territorial gatekeeper, restricting Turji’s movement and blocking routes used to transport stolen cattle from Zamfara to Maradi in Niger, limiting the rival gang’s operations.
Sources warn that his killing could spark a sharp escalation of violence across the Jibia axis. “This appears to be a calculated power grab. The Turji network seems intent on removing a stabilizing force to expand its control, smuggling routes, and criminal economy into Katsina State,” a source said.
The threat level in the region is now considered high, with expectations of possible retaliatory attacks by Lantai’s faction and pre-emptive strikes by Turji’s group to consolidate dominance. Residents fear that the relative calm in the area may collapse, potentially resulting in increased kidnappings, cattle rustling, and attacks on local communities.
Security agencies are reportedly reviewing the situation and preparing to deploy measures aimed at preventing a complete breakdown of the fragile peace in the coming days.
