The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of several local vigilantes in an ambush by armed bandits along the Bauchi–Plateau border.
In a statement released Monday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakil, disclosed that the attack occurred on Saturday, May 4, 2025, around 5:40 a.m.
The incident was reported the following morning at the Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters.
According to Wakil, a joint team of community vigilantes and professional hunters from Duguri and Gwana districts was conducting a routine patrol through the Duguri–Mansur–Dajin Madam forest area when they were ambushed by heavily armed bandits.
“This confrontation resulted in numerous casualties on both sides, including members of the vigilante group and the bandits themselves,” Wakil said.
Tactical police units were immediately deployed to the area to secure the zone and recover the bodies.
Preliminary investigations revealed that among the dead were vigilantes and civilians from Sabuwar Sara village, some of whom were reportedly shot while trying to flee the scene.
While the exact number of casualties has not been officially released, unconfirmed reports circulating on social media suggest high fatalities.
The police have urged the public to await verified information.
In response, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, visited affected communities to express condolences and reassure them of heightened security efforts.
He condemned the attack as “reprehensible” and a “serious threat to peace and security.”
Wakil added that a special task force has been assigned to track down the perpetrators and anyone connected to the attack.
“The command is fully committed to ensuring that those behind this heinous act are brought to justice,” he affirmed.
