Bandit Leader Turji Captures Peace Negotiator in Katsina, Threatening Fragile Security Deal
In a dramatic escalation of inter-bandit conflict, notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji has captured Abdu Lankai, the prominent bandit commander who spearheaded the controversial Jibia peace agreement in Katsina State. This violent incident, which occurred following a failed reconciliation meeting, has killed seven of Lankai's men and left several others with gunshot wounds, plunging the region into renewed fear and uncertainty.
Violent Clash Erupts During Deceptive Meeting
According to local sources and reports from Daily Trust, the crisis began between Friday and Sunday last week due to a dispute between Abdu Lankai and rival factions loyal to commanders Dogo Rabe and Black, both alleged associates of Bello Turji. The disagreement reportedly stemmed from accusations that Lankai harbored a bandit accomplice contracted to supply weapons after collecting approximately N100 million as a down payment from the rival groups.
A reconciliation meeting was deceptively convened on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, to lure Lankai out. However, the gathering turned violent when Dogo Rabe's faction arrived with a large number of fighters, attacked Lankai's group, killed his men, and captured him alive. Clashes between the rival camps began on Friday and escalated into Saturday before senior bandit leaders, including Adamu Aleru and Bello Turji, reportedly intervened and ordered a ceasefire.
Turji Confirms Custody and Issues Warning
In an audio message sent to Katsina Times and shared with Daily Trust on Wednesday evening, Bello Turji confirmed that Abdu Lankai is in his custody. Turji offered condolences to the families of bandits who lost their lives during what he described as an operation to capture Lankai alive. He warned the public to stay away from the internal crisis, assuring that Lankai would be investigated and either released if found innocent or dealt with accordingly.
Abdu Lankai had risen to prominence among armed groups operating in parts of Zamfara State and neighboring Maradi in the Niger Republic after accepting a peace deal that barred armed attacks in Jibia Local Government Area. He was said to have enforced the peace agreement strictly, banning bandit operations in Jibia LGA. In contrast, Dogo Rabe, a native of Jibia, reportedly rejected the peace deal and relocated his camp to neighboring Zamfara State, where he aligned with Bello Turji.
Tension and Fear Rise in Jibia Community
The incident has renewed calls for a careful review of the peace deal in Jibia and other local government areas covered by the community-driven peace initiative. Yusuf Sulaiman, Chairman of the Jibia Local Government Security Committee, stated that tension and fear are rising in the area. "Since the news of this incident broke, residents have been living in fear. We have declared a period of prayers for divine intervention because if this crisis remains unresolved, the peace deal may collapse," he said.
Residents noted that Abdu Lankai played a key role in neutralizing bandits who attempted to undermine the peace process. Bashir Lawal, Secretary-General of the Jibia People's Forum, emphasized the community's commitment to prayers and fasting, saying, "For the past year, we have enjoyed a fragile peace. His abduction is unfortunate, and if the process fails, many things could go wrong. Jibia's peace deal remains the most effective among those signed in Katsina." Similarly, Kabir Sani, Secretary of the Jibia Security Committee, described the situation as a moment for sober reflection and prayers, adding that efforts were ongoing to secure Lankai's release.
Expert Analysis on the Peace Process Pressure
Security analyst Dr. Yahuza Getso commented that Lankai and other faction commanders have been at loggerheads for a long time, noting that the latest development highlights the pressure surrounding the peace process. "This recent development underscores the importance of disarmament, or otherwise, of bandits who entered into peace agreements across the areas covered by the deal," he said. However, Getso disclosed that information from relatives and close associates of Abdu Lankai indicates that the issues have, for now, been resolved.
Residents near Abdu Lankai's base also reported hearing heavy gunshots allegedly fired by his followers, suggesting possible mobilization and calls for revenge. Efforts by Daily Trust to obtain official comments from security agencies in Katsina were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. Jibia is among the first local government areas in Katsina to sign a peace pact with bandits in an effort to halt deadly attacks on communities, with several other LGAs also entering similar agreements.
