At least three people have been killed and several others injured following a violent confrontation between security operatives and suspected drug dealers in the Kwabron Dorawa–Unguwar Nayalle area of Sabuwar Unguwa, Katsina metropolis.
The clash reportedly began when security operatives attempted to arrest a suspected drug dealer, Uzairu, popularly known as Kuda, and seize his mobile phone and alleged illicit drugs. An eyewitness said the situation escalated after Kuda resisted arrest and called on his associates to help retrieve his seized phone.
During the confrontation, Kuda was shot by a security operative and later died after being taken to the hospital.
The violence triggered unrest in the area, with angry youths setting fire to an outpost of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and burning 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 situation further deteriorated during the funeral procession of the deceased on December 28, 2025.
According to him, miscreants attacked security operatives, damaged an operational vehicle, and injured several officers while attempting to disarm one of them. During the struggle, a shot was discharged, which initially injured Kuda before his eventual death.
Sadiq added that during the funeral procession, some youths burnt the NSCDC outpost at Sabuwar Unguwa and attempted to set a nearby police post on fire. Police reinforcements, working with NSCDC personnel, were deployed to restore order.
He noted that the attackers became increasingly violent, inflicting a machete wound on a police officer and causing extensive damage to a patrol vehicle. In the ensuing chaos, stray bullets hit two persons. One of them later died at the hospital, while the other is receiving treatment.
The police spokesperson urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, stressing that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
