The Katsina State Police Command has said three suspected bandits, and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rimi Local Government Area, CSP Muhammad Sani-Kabir, died during a gun battle on Friday.

This was contained in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Aliyu Abubakar, on Friday in Katsina.

He said, “Today, February 13, 2026, at about 02:00 p.m., some suspected bandits, armed with dangerous weapons shooting sporadically, attacked Magaje village, Rimi LGA, and rustled a number of animals and escaped the scene before the arrival of police operatives.

“Upon receipt of the report, quickly, the DPO Rimi, in collaboration with neighbouring divisions, and the military, mobilised operatives and responded to the scene. The team successfully tracked and intercepted the suspected bandits at Magaje village, where a gun duel ensued.”

He said that the team successfully recovered the rustled animals and neutralised three suspected bandits.

The PPRO, however, revealed that “regrettably, the DPO was fatally shot by the bandits, and one policeman sustained a gunshot injury to his hand.

“The injured officer has been rushed to the nearest hospital for medical attention and is responding to treatment.”

The state Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, while commending the act of valour and camaraderie displayed by the joint security team, condemned the incident.

He also mourned the officer, describing him as an upright, honest, and professional police officer.

Mr Shehu condoled with the immediate family and friends of the deceased officer. 

(NAN)