Ansaru Claims Killing of Sheikh Masusuka, Warns Others Over Religious Beliefs
Ansaru has claimed responsibility for the killing of Katsina cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masusuka and threatened others over their religious beliefs, days after the cleric’s reported history of religious disagreements and threats drew attention.
The terrorist group made the claim in a video obtained by Premium Times on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
In the video, Ansaru accused Masusuka of promoting religious views it opposed. It also alleged that he was misleading Muslims and undermining Islam.
The group further warned people it accused of rejecting or belittling the Hadith. It called on them to abandon their positions or face possible attacks.
Masusuka and his associate, Adamu Abubakar, were killed by gunmen in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Why Ansaru says it targeted Masusuka
Ansaru linked the killing to the cleric’s religious teachings and his position on peaceful coexistence between people of different faiths.
The group also claimed that Masusuka had been invited to participate in a religious debate but declined.
These allegations remain the group’s account of the incident. Its claims have not independently established the full circumstances of the killing.
Masusuka was known for his Quran-centred teachings. His position brought him into disagreement with some Islamic scholars over the authority of Hadith in religious interpretation.
Hadith refers to accounts of the sayings, actions and approvals attributed to Prophet Muhammad. Many Muslims consider these traditions important sources of religious guidance alongside the Quran.
Masusuka also advocated peaceful relations between Muslims and Christians. His teachings and the reported threats against him were examined in CrispNG’s earlier report.
READ ALSO: Sheikh Masussuka: Cleric Killed in Katsina After Controversial Teachings and Reported Threats
Ansaru’s warning raises fresh concerns
The group’s threat extends beyond the cleric’s killing. It suggests that other people whose religious views conflict with Ansaru’s ideology could also face intimidation or violence.
The warning is particularly significant for religious scholars who challenge extremist interpretations or advocate peaceful coexistence.
However, a threat does not automatically establish that further attacks are planned or imminent. The identities of any potential targets and the group’s capacity to carry out additional attacks remain unclear.
A security researcher quoted by Premium Times suggested that Ansaru could target people beyond its known strongholds. The researcher also raised the possibility of local armed groups helping to gather intelligence or carry out attacks.
That possibility has not been established in Masusuka’s case. There is no confirmed evidence in the report that local bandits participated in the killing.
What Ansaru’s claim means for the investigation
The Katsina State Police Command said two men on a motorcycle opened fire on Masusuka and Abubakar before fleeing.
The victims were taken to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Police said they had launched an investigation and deployed teams to track down those responsible.
Ansaru’s claim gives investigators a lead to examine. However, the group has not publicly established the identities of the gunmen or explained how the attack was organised.
Investigators will need to determine whether the claim matches the evidence gathered at the scene and through other inquiries.
The admission also raises questions about how the attackers located the cleric and whether anyone helped them plan the operation.
Until those questions are answered, Ansaru’s statement should be treated as a significant claim rather than conclusive proof of every detail surrounding the killing.