Katsina DPO Killed in Clash with Alleged Cattle Rustlers; Three Assailants Neutralized by Police

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for the Rimi local government area in Katsina State, CSP Muhammad Sani Sagir Maude, was killed while leading a mission against suspected cattle rustlers.

This unfortunate event took place on Friday morning, February 13, 2026, after the officer and his team responded to an emergency call concerning cattle rustling in Magaji town, located within the Maje-Gobir Ward.

Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, the Commissioner for the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Friday and noted that three rustlers had been neutralized during the coordinated operation that included both security personnel and community members.

According to Mu'azu, the courageous DPO was shot fatally by one of the assailants identified as their leader, Maigemu, after his weapon reportedly malfunctioned during the firefight.

“The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs verifies that during a joint operation involving security personnel and community members in the Rimi Local Government Area, three cattle rustlers were neutralized,” the statement indicated.

The Ministry expressed heartfelt condolences over the death of the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Muhammad Sani Kabir, emphasizing that he died while valiantly serving in the line of duty.

“Informed sources within the Rimi Local Government Area revealed that reports had been received late at night from community leaders—including the ward councillor, members of APC, the Village Head of Karare, and the District Head of Rimi—regarding the presence of suspected rustlers in Magaji town, within Maje-Gobir Ward.

“Upon receiving this information, the DPO promptly mobilized security operatives to the location. The suspects allegedly invaded Magajen Gobir, which led to the residents organizing themselves to confront the invaders.

“The clash unfolded into the early morning hours, coinciding with Subh (dawn) prayers, during which a significant portion of the stolen cattle was recovered.

“By morning, the rustlers lost their bearings and fled toward the nearby Charanci Local Government Area, passing through Kuraye town to Yanunko village.

“An additional exchange of gunfire took place between the culprits and local residents, with reports stating that, in Magaji town, the rustlers shot two men and several young girls, although many of the looted animals were reclaimed due to the collective efforts of the community and law enforcement. Subsequently, security operatives, aided by local vigilantes, engaged the rustlers once more.

“The DPO personally led the team to confront the suspects. During the conflict, his firearm reportedly malfunctioned, and he was fatally shot by one of the rustlers, identified as their leader, Maigemu.

“Maigemu is known to be among the bandits in Katsina State who have refused to comply with the peace agreement. Security forces are actively pursuing him, as he continues to elude capture while reportedly imposing his own illegal regulations in the vicinity.