General’s Death Triggers Deadly Rift Among Katsina Bandits as Notorious Commander Goes Into Hiding

A fierce power struggle has erupted among armed bandit groups operating in Katsina State following the reported death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in captivity, forcing a suspected commander linked to the incident, Kachalla Muhammadu, into hiding.

Security sources and local intelligence reports indicate that Muhammadu is now being hunted not only by Nigerian security agencies but also by rival bandit factions after an alleged directive by notorious bandit kingpin Ado Aleru demanding his capture.

The development has heightened tensions within criminal networks across the North-West, with the forests spanning Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas reportedly becoming the epicentre of an intense manhunt and violent confrontations among rival groups.

Sources familiar with the situation said fighters loyal to Aleru have launched operations to track down Muhammadu and his associates, transforming internal disagreements within the bandit hierarchy into open conflict.

The crisis follows the reported death of Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), a former Director of Defence Information, who was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State. His death while in captivity sparked widespread outrage across the country and renewed calls for stronger action against armed groups terrorising communities in the region.

Local sources said the fallout from the incident has fractured alliances among several bandit commanders, leading to clashes along forest routes, hideouts and operational corridors used by the criminal groups.

Residents in some affected communities have reportedly witnessed a temporary decline in attacks as rival factions focus on settling scores among themselves. However, security experts caution that the respite may be short-lived.

Analysts warn that while internal conflicts can weaken criminal organisations and disrupt their operations, such divisions rarely lead to lasting peace unless sustained security pressure is applied.

According to observers, the ongoing feud presents a strategic opportunity for the military and other security agencies to intensify operations against bandit enclaves, dismantle logistics networks and target key commanders responsible for years of violence, kidnappings and killings across the North-West.

“There is an opportunity to exploit the divisions within the groups, but security forces must act decisively,” a security analyst familiar with the region’s security dynamics said.

Residents and community leaders have continued to call for coordinated military operations to prevent the conflict from escalating into fresh violence that could spill into civilian communities.

As the manhunt for Muhammadu intensifies, security agencies are expected to closely monitor developments amid fears that the struggle for supremacy among the rival factions could reshape the security landscape in Katsina and neighbouring states.