Abdullahi Lankai, popularly known as “Lantai Officer,” a repentant bandit leader earlier reported killed in a violent factional clash, has resurfaced alive and returned to his community, PRNigeria reports.
Multiple community sources in Jibia and Batsari Local Government Areas of Katsina State disclosed that Lankai arrived home on Monday evening, effectively debunking widespread claims that he had been executed during recent hostilities among armed groups.
Speculation over his alleged death eased on Wednesday after a video surfaced showing Lankai being received by a crowd of residents and associates. The footage, now circulating locally, captures emotional scenes across the Batsari–Jibia corridor, where he is regarded by some community members as a key enforcer of a fragile local peace arrangement.
Security and community accounts indicate that last week’s crisis stemmed from a violent confrontation between Lankai’s faction and rival groups said to be aligned with Dogo Rabe and a figure known as “Black,” both linked to networks associated with notorious bandit leader .
Sources familiar with the situation told PRNigeria that tensions escalated over territorial control and movement of livestock through forest corridors. Lankai was reportedly seen as a “gatekeeper” in the axis, allegedly blocking the passage of rustled cattle toward parts of Zamfara State and across the border into Niger Republic.
According to the sources, Lankai was lured to what was presented as a reconciliation meeting on Tuesday, January 27. Instead, rival factions allegedly arrived heavily armed, killing several of his associates and taking him captive.
Reports soon circulated that he had been killed that night. However, fresh information indicates he was held for several days before regaining his freedom on Monday.
Lankai had gained attention in recent months for aligning with a community-driven peace initiative in parts of Katsina State. Residents describe him as one of the few armed leaders who publicly embraced local reconciliation efforts.
Under that arrangement, some communities in Jibia and Batsari reportedly experienced a reduction in attacks, improved movement along rural roads, and fewer cases of farm invasions. Locals also claim he confronted other armed elements attempting to undermine the ceasefire.
Despite relief over his return, community leaders say the situation remains volatile.
The failed attempt on his life has heightened fears of retaliatory attacks and renewed clashes between rival factions competing for control of routes used for movement of people, goods, and livestock.
Security observers warn that while grassroots peace deals can produce temporary calm, they remain fragile in areas where multiple armed groups operate with shifting alliances.
For now, Lankai’s reappearance has brought a measure of hope to some residents who fear a return to full-scale violence, even as uncertainty lingers over the durability of the local peace model in the face of ongoing rivalries among bandit groups.
By PRNigeria
