Bandits Kill 20 Soldiers, Vigilantes in Deadly Plateau Ambush

At least 20 Security Personnel and Local Vigilantes have reportedly been killed after suspected bandits launched a deadly ambush on a joint patrol team in Plateau State, escalating fears over persistent insecurity in the North-Central region.

Global Mirror gathered that the attack occurred on Friday in Kanam Local Government Area, where a combined team of military personnel and community vigilantes were conducting a routine security patrol across vulnerable communities.

According to local sources, the patrol team was travelling in two vehicles through communities including Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau and Wanka when they were suddenly ambushed by heavily armed bandits who opened fire on them.

A statement by the Kanam Development Association indicated that the attackers engaged the patrol team in a fierce gun battle that left several security operatives dead.

The group disclosed that among those killed were 12 soldiers, including two senior Military Officers, while eight vigilante members who joined the security operation also lost their lives during the confrontation.

Despite the heavy casualties, some of the attackers were reportedly neutralised during the exchange of gunfire as security operatives attempted to repel the assault.

The association described the incident as tragic and devastating, warning that continued attacks could further endanger rural communities already grappling with banditry and other violent crimes.

It called on both the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army to urgently reinforce security presence in the affected areas and establish permanent security outposts to protect residents.

The group also appealed for the deployment of additional troops and improved intelligence gathering to curb the activities of armed groups operating within the region.

Efforts to get official confirmation from the military were ongoing as of press time, although the spokesperson for the Joint Military Task Force in the state, Chinonso Oteh, was reported to have said that an official statement would be issued on the incident.

Communities across Plateau and neighbouring States have continued to experience recurring attacks linked to banditry, kidnappings and other violent crimes, prompting repeated calls for stronger security interventions.