Police Raid Turns Deadly in Katsina Market Area
A police operation targeting drug peddlers in Katsina State ended in a fatal confrontation on Saturday night, resulting in the death of a suspected notorious dealer. The incident occurred at Sabuwar Anguwa, within the Katsina Local Government Area.
Acting on credible intelligence, the Central Market Surveillance Team, led by ASP Audu Isah, conducted the raid at about 10:00 p.m. on December 27, 2025. The team successfully arrested one Uzairu Abubakar, popularly known as Uzairu Kuda.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that the suspect was a known drug dealer and a member of the criminal group referred to as the Kauraye miscreants.
Violent Resistance and Attack on Officers
The arrest attempt was met with violent resistance. Upon his capture, Uzairu Abubakar raised an alarm, which summoned other gang members to the scene to attack the police team.
The assailants reportedly pelted the officers with stones, damaging the rear screen of an unmarked Honda Jazz vehicle used in the covert operation.
The situation escalated further when the suspect drew a knife. He then stabbed the second-in-command of the surveillance team, ASP Ibrahim Yusuf, in the neck.
Fatal Outcome and Evidence Recovered
In the ensuing struggle to subdue the armed suspect and protect the injured officer, ASP Ibrahim Yusuf discharged his firearm, wounding Uzairu Abubakar.
The injured suspect was rushed to the General Hospital Katsina for treatment, where a medical doctor later confirmed him dead.
Police recovered several exhibits from the scene, which included:
- Dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp (cannabis).
- Pregabalin tablets.
- A substance suspected to be Colorado (a synthetic drug).
- The knife used in the attack.
Following standard procedure, the corpse of the deceased was released to his family for burial according to Islamic rites. The Katsina State Police Command has stated that investigations are ongoing and efforts are being intensified to track down and apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal gang.
This incident highlights the continued risks faced by security operatives in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime in the region.
