In a tragic incident that unfolded on Friday morning, February 13, 2026, CSP Muhammad Sani Kabir, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rimi Local Government Area in Katsina State, was fatally shot while leading a joint operation against suspected cattle rustlers. The operation, which also resulted in the neutralization of three rustlers, involved security operatives and community members.

The events began after the DPO and his team responded to a distress call regarding cattle rustling in Magaji town, under Maje-Gobir Ward. According to Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, the Commissioner for Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the rustlers had invaded Magajen Gobir, prompting residents to organize 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 successfully recovered.

As the rustlers attempted to escape, losing their way, they moved towards the neighboring Charanchi Local Government Area, passing through Kuraye town to Yanunko village. Another exchange of gunfire occurred between the criminals and local residents. Reports indicated that in Magaji town, the rustlers shot two men and several young girls, even as combined efforts of the community and security operatives recovered many of the stolen animals. Security operatives, supported by local vigilantes, subsequently engaged the rustlers again.

CSP Muhammad Sani Kabir personally led the operation to the suspects’ location. During an intense gun battle, his rifle reportedly malfunctioned, and he was fatally shot by one of the rustlers, identified as their notorious leader, Maigemu. Maigemu was described as a bandit leader who had previously rejected peace accords in Katsina State and was actively pursued by security agencies for enforcing unlawful rules in the area.

The Katsina State Police Command, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, confirmed the incident and mourned the loss of CSP Kabir, describing him as an upright, honest, and professional police officer. Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Bello Shehu, condemned the incident while commending the bravery of the joint security team. Three security personnel sustained injuries during the operation and are currently receiving treatment at Katsina Teaching Hospital. The remains of the late DPO were taken for medical examination before being transferred to his family in Zaria, Kaduna State, for burial. Both the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs and the Police Command expressed deep sorrow over the DPO's sacrifice, affirming Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s commitment to eradicating crime in the state.

In a separate but related security development, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano State successfully rescued a five-year-old boy, Muhammad Haruna, who had been kidnapped from Danzaki Village in Minjibir Local Government Area. The rescue operation was launched following a formal complaint and a ransom demand of N15 million from the child’s family. Acting swiftly, a DSS tactical team tracked the kidnappers and carried out a coordinated mission at approximately 7:40 p.m. on February 12, 2026, leading to the safe recovery of the minor.

During the operation, a 20-year-old suspect, Aminu Mukhtar, was arrested while allegedly negotiating the ransom payment with the victim’s father over a mobile phone. Preliminary questioning revealed that the suspect admitted to abducting the child with the intent to extort money from the family. Aminu Mukhtar remains in DSS custody as investigations continue, and the rescued child has been placed under protective care. This successful operation underscores the DSS’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding citizens and promptly responding to security threats in Kano State.