Tragedy as bandits ambush, kill local vigilantes in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed a deadly ambush by bandits that claimed the lives of several local vigilante members near the Bauchi–Plateau border.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakil, the tragic incident occurred on Saturday but was formally reported to the Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters around 9:40 a.m. on Sunday.

While details surrounding the ambush remain sketchy, the police have launched an investigation into the attack and promised to intensify security patrols along the affected areas.

He said, “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.

“A combined team of professional hunters from Duguri and Gwana District, while on a routine patrol along Duguri, Mansur, and the Dajin Madam forest bordering Bauchi and Plateau State, encountered an ambush by armed bandits.

“This confrontation resulted in numerous casualties on both sides, including members of the vigilante group and the bandits themselves.”

Wakil explained that a tactical police team was sent to the area and recovered the bodies of those killed.

He said early findings showed that the dead included local vigilantes and some civilians from Sabuwar Sara village.

He added that they were shot while trying to escape.

Wakil also said a special police team has been assigned to find the attackers and anyone linked to the crime.

The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, visited community leaders in the area.

Aliyu sent his condolences to the families of those who died.

He also strongly condemned the killings.

“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,” Wakil said.

The police have not released the number of people killed, even though different figures are being shared on social media.