JIBIA – A fragile security truce in Katsina State has been thrown into chaos following the capture and execution of Abdullahi Lankai (popularly known as “Lantai Officer”), the primary enforcer of the Jibia peace accord, by a rival faction loyal to Bello Turji.
The execution, confirmed on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, marks a major escalation in the internal power struggle between bandit groups. Lankai, who had reportedly accepted a peace deal to halt attacks and cattle rustling in the Jibia axis, was lured to a fake reconciliation meeting where he was ambushed by commanders Dogo Rabe and Black.
Seven of Lankai’s fighters were killed in the initial clash, while the leader himself was taken alive and subsequently executed on the orders of the Turji-led coalition.
Community in Fear
The death of Lankai has sparked fresh panic among Jibia residents, who viewed him as a “buffer” against more radical gangs. Under the collapsed deal, Lankai had actively blocked rival factions from moving through Jibia to launch raids. His removal is feared to be the precursor to a massive resurgence of kidnappings and killings in the area.
“Lantai was the one holding the line against Turji’s boys. Now that he is gone, we are at their mercy,” a community leader, who requested anonymity, told reporters.
Security Breakdown
The execution coincides with a bloody week for security forces in Katsina:
- Three mobile police officers, including an ASP, were killed in an ambush near Faskari on Tuesday.
- Over 50 women were abducted in a separate raid on Wednesday night, highlighting the collapse of local security arrangements.
While the Katsina State Government has been pursuing a controversial policy of releasing 70 detained bandits to foster peace, the Turji faction’s latest move suggests that non-state actors are increasingly unwilling to respect negotiated ceasefires.
Will the Nigerian Military launch a full-scale offensive to fill the security vacuum left by the collapse of the Jibia peace deal?
