.

.

Katsina, Nigeria — September 12, 2026

Terrorists holding more than 100 abducted residents in Katsina State have reportedly killed one of their captives and sent his severed head to the Shadadi Emirate, deepening fears over the fate of the scores of people still being held.

The development was disclosed on Friday by Katsina-based security analyst Bakatsine in a post on X. According to Bakatsine, the victim — whose identity has not been made public — was among a group of more than 100 residents abducted by bandits operating in the state. He said the victim was killed by his captors before his severed head was delivered to the Shadadi Emirate.

“The severed head of one of the more than 100 people abducted by bandits was reportedly sent to the Shadadi Emirate today,” Bakatsine wrote, describing the development as heartbreaking and warning that it would likely deepen fears among the families of those still in captivity.

Bakatsine called on security agencies and the government to take urgent action to secure the release of the remaining captives, asking how many more people would have to die before the cycle of abductions and killings in the state comes to an end.

As of the time of filing, the identity of the victim and the exact circumstances surrounding his abduction and killing had not been independently verified.

Related incident in Niger State

Separately, the elder brother of the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, was reportedly killed by suspected terrorists in Niger State. The victim, identified as the Village Head of Galla in Borgu Emirate, was attacked at his palace on Monday, August 24, 2026. Sources cited by Daily Post said the monarch had previously warned terrorists to stay away from his community.

The killing has heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in Borgu Emirate, where attacks and other criminal activity have reportedly increased in recent weeks.

Together, the two incidents have renewed alarm over the safety of residents and the fate of people held in captivity across parts of northern Nigeria, where banditry and mass abductions have continued largely unabated despite ongoing security operations.