Rimi, Katsina State — February 13, 2026 — The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rimi Local Government Area in Katsina State, CSP Muhammad Sani Sagir, has been killed in an ambush by suspected bandits during an operation to recover stolen livestock.
According to security sources, the incident occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Thursday in Magaji community, Majen-Gobir ward, after the DPO and his team responded to a distress call reporting cattle rustling in the area.
Police operatives reportedly tracked the suspects into a nearby forest in an effort to retrieve the stolen animals. However, they were met with heavy gunfire and ambushed. CSP Sagir sustained critical injuries during the exchange and later died.
Three other police officers and a female civilian were injured in the attack and have been taken to hospital for treatment.
Local sources indicated that one suspected bandit was killed during the confrontation, and some of the rustled livestock were recovered. The attackers, however, reportedly escaped with additional cattle.
The Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue a detailed official statement, but security personnel have launched a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The killing underscores the persistent security challenges in parts of northern Nigeria, where banditry and cattle rustling have continued to threaten rural communities and security operatives alike. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to strengthen patrols and disrupt criminal networks operating in forested areas of the region.
