The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed that an ambush by armed bandits near the Bauchi–Plateau border led to the deaths of several local vigilante members.
In a statement issued Monday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Ahmed Wakil revealed that the deadly attack occurred on Saturday and was reported to authorities at the Alkaleri Divisional Headquarters by 9:40 a.m. the following day.
“On 4th May 2025, at about 09:40 hours, the Command received a report from Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters regarding an incident that occurred earlier that same day at about 05:40 hours,” Wakil stated.
He explained that a joint patrol of professional hunters from Duguri and Gwana districts ran into an ambush by armed bandits while conducting a routine operation through the Duguri, Mansur, and Dajin Madam forest — a known hotspot bordering Bauchi and Plateau States.
“This confrontation resulted in numerous casualties on both sides, including members of the vigilante group and the bandits themselves,” he added.
Wakil noted that a tactical police team was promptly deployed to the area, where they recovered the bodies of those who had fallen in the attack. Preliminary findings revealed that the victims included local vigilantes and some residents of Sabuwar Sara village.
He said, “The victims were shot while attempting to flee,” adding that a special team has been assigned to pursue the perpetrators and anyone linked to the ambush.
Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, also visited local leaders in the affected area to show support and extend condolences.
According to Wakil, “The Commissioner characterised these acts as utterly reprehensible and a significant threat to the peace and security of the state and assured the area in full-scale to bring the perpetrators to book.”
The Command has yet to confirm the exact number of casualties, even as varying figures continue to circulate on social media platforms.
