In a press statement released on Monday signed by the command spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu,  the police confirmed that the incident, which also left a commercial motorcycle rider injured, was under thorough review.

The Katsina State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the alleged killing of Saidu Abdulkadir, a 400-level student of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, by a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

In a press statement released on Monday signed by the command spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu,  the police confirmed that the incident, which also left a commercial motorcycle rider injured, was under thorough review.

The police vowed that it would ensure justice was served and that all individuals involved in the shooting were held accountable under the law.

The statement read, "The Katsina Police Command has commenced an investigation into a shooting incident involving a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). The incident resulted in the injury of an okada rider and the death of a 400-level student of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma."

"Preliminary reports indicate that on February 23rd, 2025, at approximately 11:26am, a commercial motorcycle rider conveying a passenger, Saidu Abdulkadir, was flagged down by a team of CJTF members in a Hilux vehicle. One of the JTF members fired at the victims, causing gunshot injuries. 

"Detectives promptly responded to the scene and rushed the victims to Dutsin-Ma General Hospital. Saidu was later referred to the Orthopedic Hospital Katsina, where he was certified dead on arrival."

"The Command is deeply concerned about the incident and is committed to ensuring justice is served. We are working closely with the school management and other stakeholders to identify and arrest the suspects."

"Further developments will be communicated in due course."

The killing of Abdulkadir has sparked outrage across the university community, leading to multiple protests by students who are demanding justice and accountability. 

Reports suggest that this is not the first time members of the CJTF have been accused of extrajudicial killings in the area.

Student protesters insist that the Nigerian government must take decisive action to curb what they describe as unchecked brutality by vigilante groups operating in the state. 

They also called for an immediate overhaul of the security system within the region to prevent further abuse of power.