Chukwu Obinna 
KATSINA, Nigeria – The Divisional Police Officer of Rimi Local Government Area in Katsina State, CSP Muhammad Sani Kabir, has been killed while leading an operation against suspected cattle rustlers, the state government has confirmed.
The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs said the officer was fatally shot during a gun battle with rustlers in the early hours of Friday.
In a statement, the Commissioner of the Ministry, Nasir Mu’azu, said the operation followed late-night distress calls from community leaders in Rimi LGA reporting the presence of suspected rustlers in Magaji town, Maje-Gobir Ward.
“Upon verification, the DPO immediately mobilised security operatives to the area,” Mu’azu said, adding that residents had already confronted the suspects, leading to a prolonged clash that lasted into the early morning hours.
He said most of the stolen cattle were recovered during the confrontation, which coincided with Subh (dawn) prayers.
According to the ministry, security operatives later re-engaged the rustlers in nearby areas, with CSP Kabir personally leading the operation.
“During the gun battle, his rifle reportedly malfunctioned, and he was fatally shot by one of the rustlers, identified as their leader, Maigemu,” the statement said.
Three rustlers were neutralised during the joint operation involving security forces and community members, while three injured security personnel are receiving treatment at Katsina Teaching Hospital.
The remains of the late officer have been released to his family in Zaria, Kaduna State, for burial.
The ministry praised the courage of CSP Kabir and reaffirmed Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s commitment to tackling criminality in the state.
“The ministry mourns the loss of CSP Muhammad Sani Kabir and prays that Almighty Allah grants him Aljannatul Firdausi. His sacrifice in the line of duty will not be forgotten,” the statement said.
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