At least three people have been confirmed dead, with several others injured, following violent clashes between security operatives and suspected drug dealers in the Kwabron Dorawa–Unguwar Nayalle area of Sabuwar Unguwa, Katsina metropolis.
The incident reportedly began when security operatives attempted to arrest a suspected drug dealer identified as Uzairu, popularly known as “Kuda,” and confiscate his mobile phone and suspected illicit substances.
According to eyewitness accounts, the situation quickly degenerated after Kuda resisted arrest and raised an alarm, allegedly mobilising his associates to confront the operatives and recover his seized phone.
During the confrontation, a struggle ensued, resulting in Kuda being shot by a security operative. He was rushed to a hospital but later pronounced dead.
In the ensuing chaos, angry youths allegedly set ablaze a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) outpost in the area and vandalised several motorcycles.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Katsina State Police Command, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, said the violence escalated further during the funeral procession of the deceased on Sunday.
Sadiq explained that during the initial arrest attempt, Kuda resisted and alerted gang members who attacked the police team, damaging an operational vehicle and injuring several officers.
“The miscreants attempted to disarm one of the officers and stabbed him with a knife,” Sadiq said. “During the struggle to secure the rifle, a shot was discharged, hitting and injuring Kuda. He was rushed to the hospital but was later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.”
He added that on December 28, 2025, tensions resurfaced during Kuda’s funeral procession, as suspected hoodlums allegedly set fire to the NSCDC outpost in Sabuwar Unguwa to express anger over his death. They also attempted to burn a nearby police outpost.
“Upon receiving the report, police reinforcements were immediately deployed,” Sadiq stated. “In collaboration with NSCDC personnel, officers moved to restore order. However, the attackers became more aggressive, inflicting a deep machete wound on a policeman and causing extensive damage to a police patrol vehicle.”
Tragically, during the effort to disperse the crowd, stray bullets hit two individuals. Both were rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment, but one of them was later confirmed dead, while the other is currently responding to medical care.
DSP Sadiq urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, assuring that investigations are ongoing to identify and bring all those involved to justice.
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