By Fasaha Stream
Fasaha Stream has confirmed that Abdullahi Lankai, a repentant bandit leader from Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, is alive and has safely returned to his family, contrary to earlier reports that he was killed.
The clarification follows fresh findings by Mobile Media Crew, whose journalists visited Lankai at his residence in Mallamawa town, Jibia Local Government Area, on Tuesday evening, February 3, 2026, and confirmed that he is in good health.
Fasaha Stream had earlier culled a report from Katsina Times which stated that Lankai was killed after being captured during a violent confrontation involving rival armed groups. Subsequent verification has now established that while Lankai was indeed abducted following a clash that reportedly claimed the lives of seven of his followers, he was not killed.
According to Mobile Media Crew, Lankai was taken by fighters loyal to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji after the confrontation but later returned home on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Sources familiar with the incident said the abduction followed accusations by the rival group that Lankai was obstructing their criminal activities in Jibia Local Government Area. After accepting a peace deal and renouncing banditry, Lankai reportedly barred cattle rustling and attacks in Jibia and neighbouring Batsari Local Government Area.
Speaking to Mobile Media Crew, Lankai described the incident as an act of destiny and thanked God that it did not result in harm to the wider community. He reaffirmed his commitment to the peace agreement in Jibia and Batsari, stressing that the calm enjoyed in the areas remains intact and that he would continue to support efforts aimed at sustaining peace.
He also expressed gratitude to community members who visited him and to those who prayed for his safety during the period of uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts.
Abdullahi Lankai is widely regarded as one of the influential Fulani forest leaders who embraced the peace accord reached about a year ago between armed groups and authorities in Jibia and Batsari Local Government Areas. Residents say the agreement led to a significant reduction in attacks, kidnappings for ransom, and cattle rustling.
Community sources further stated that Lankai has played a central role in enforcing the peace deal, including intervening in cases of cattle theft and ensuring stolen property was recovered and returned to owners.
Fasaha Stream regrets the earlier inaccurate report and publishes this update in line with professional journalism standards, which require timely corrections and follow-ups when new, verified information becomes available.
