A well-known bandit leader, Abdu Lankai, who played a key role in the peace agreement in the Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, has been apprehended by a rival faction.
In addition, seven members of Lankai’s gang were reportedly killed during a violent confrontation that was linked to a failed reconciliation meeting with rival groups opposed to the peace deal.
According to reliable sources in Jibia, several former bandits loyal to the ex-warlord suffered gunshot injuries, with two currently in critical condition and receiving treatment at a hospital in Katsina.
Lankai had gained prominence among bandit groups operating in parts of Zamfara State and the neighboring Maradi region in Niger after agreeing to a peace deal that prohibited armed assaults in the Jibia Local Government Area.
Jibia was one of the first local government areas in Katsina State to establish a peace agreement with bandits to put an end to violent attacks on communities. Other local government areas have also entered into similar agreements with armed groups.
The conflict reportedly began between Friday and Sunday of last week due to a dispute between Lankai and rival bandit factions loyal to Dogo Rabe and a commander known as Black. These two are said to be associates of the infamous bandit leader, Bello Turji, and opposed the community-driven peace initiative in Katsina.
Sources indicated that the disagreement arose from accusations that Abdu Lankai was harboring a bandit accomplice who was contracted to supply weapons after receiving approximately N100 million as a down payment from the factions of Dogo Rabe and Black.
Daily Trust learned that a reconciliation meeting involving Abdu Lankai, Dogo Rabe, and Black was deceptively arranged on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, to lure Lankai out.
The meeting allegedly became violent when Dogo Rabe’s faction showed up with a significant number of fighters, attacked Lankai’s group, killed some of his men, and captured him alive.
Lankai was reported to have strictly enforced the peace agreement, prohibiting bandit activities in the Jibia Local Government Area.
Dogo Rabe, originally from Jibia, is said to have rejected the agreement and moved his camp to the nearby Zamfara State, where he joined forces with Bello Turji.
According to sources speaking to Daily Trust, confrontations between the opposing factions began on Friday and intensified into Saturday, prompting senior bandit leaders, including Adamu Aleru and Bello Turji, to intervene and call for a ceasefire.
In an audio message sent to Katsina Times and shared with Daily Trust on Wednesday evening, Turji revealed that Lankai is in his custody and expressed condolences to the families of bandits who were killed during the operation to capture him.
In the audio, Turji cautioned the public to avoid involvement in the internal conflict, assuring that Lankai would be investigated and either released if found innocent or dealt with appropriately.
This situation has heightened calls for a thorough reassessment of the peace agreement, not just in Jibia but throughout the local government areas involved in the community-driven peace initiative.
Yusuf Sulaiman, the Chairman of the Jibia Local Government Security Committee, informed Daily Trust that there is increasing tension and anxiety in the region.
Since the news of this incident emerged, the local residents have been living in fear. We have initiated a period of prayer for divine assistance because if this crisis is not addressed, the peace agreement may fall apart,” he stated.
Residents also informed our correspondent in Katsina that Abdu Lankai played a crucial role in neutralizing bandits who tried to disrupt the peace process.
Bashir Lawal, the Secretary-General of the Jibia People’s Forum, mentioned that the community has dedicated itself to prayer and fasting.
"For the past year, we have experienced a delicate peace. His kidnapping is regrettable, and if the process fails, many negative outcomes could arise. Jibia’s peace agreement is the most effective among those established in Katsina,” he remarked.
In a similar vein, Kabir Sani, Secretary of the Jibia Security Committee, characterized the situation as a time for deep reflection and prayer, emphasizing that efforts are underway to secure Lankai’s release.
Residents near Abdu Lankai’s location reported hearing heavy gunfire allegedly from his supporters, indicating possible mobilization and calls for retaliation.
Attempts to get official comments from security agencies in Katsina were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
Security analyst, Dr. Yahuza Getso, noted that Lankai and other faction leaders have been in conflict for a long time, pointing out that recent events highlight the significant pressure surrounding the peace process and the necessity for all parties involved to be more vigilant in monitoring their actions to prevent undermining the fragile peace currently in place.
"This recent event emphasizes the need for disarmament, or at least control, of bandits who have entered into peace agreements in the areas affected by the deal,” he stated.
However, Getso revealed that information from relatives and close friends of Abdu Lankai suggests that the issues have, for the time being, been resolved.
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