BAUCHI, May 5, 2025 — The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed that several members of a local vigilante group were killed in an ambush by bandits near the Bauchi-Plateau border on Saturday.

According to a statement released by Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, the incident occurred around 5:40 am on May 4, 2025. The attack took place during a routine patrol by a combined team of professional hunters from Duguri and Gwana Districts, who were navigating the Duguri, Mansur, and Dajin Madam forest areas bordering Bauchi and Plateau states.

Wakil reported that the patrol team was ambushed by armed bandits, leading to a confrontation that resulted in numerous casualties on both sides. Members of the vigilante group, as well as some civilians from the nearby Sabuwar Sara village, were among the victims. The victims were reportedly shot while attempting to escape.

The police quickly deployed a tactical team to the area, where the bodies of the deceased were recovered. Early findings indicate that the dead included local vigilantes and civilians.

In response to the attack, a special police team has been tasked with locating and apprehending the bandits responsible for the ambush, as well as anyone linked to the crime. The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, also visited community leaders in the area to convey his condolences to the victims’ families.

Aliyu condemned the attack, describing it as an “utterly reprehensible” act and a significant threat to the peace and security of the state. He assured the community that efforts would be intensified to bring the perpetrators to justice.