Over 20 Feared KiIIed in Bandit Attack on Security Patrol

The death toll from Friday’s ambush by suspected bandits on security personnel in Kanam Local Government Area has risen to over 20, according to security officials and the Kanam Development Association (KADA).

The attack occurred in the Wanka District when a joint patrol team comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes came under heavy gunfire from bandits who had laid an ambush along their route.

Reports indicate that the patrol team, travelling in two vehicles on routine security operations across Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau and nearby settlements, was attacked by a large number of heavily armed assailants.

Initial accounts confirmed the death of three soldiers, including a captain, along with about seven members of the vigilante group. However, in a statement released late Saturday, KADA said the casualty figure had risen significantly.

The statement, jointly signed by the association’s Chairman, Garba Aliyu, and Secretary, Shehu Kanam, revealed that about 12 security personnel were killed during the ambush, while eight vigilante members who joined the patrol also lost their lives.

“In the unfortunate exchange of gunfire that followed the ambush, our nation lost brave defenders who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. About 12 security personnel, including two senior military officers, were killed,” the association said.

It added that the attackers later stormed the Kyaram Community, where they looted properties worth millions of naira and rustled a large number of cattle belonging to residents. An unspecified number of villagers were also reportedly killed during the raid.

KADA described the incident as part of a long-standing wave of insecurity affecting border communities in Kanam, particularly areas linking Plateau State with Taraba State and Bauchi State.

According to the group, the region has experienced repeated incidents of banditry, cattle rustling, kidnappings, and destruction of property despite several appeals for stronger security presence.

The association called for the immediate deployment of additional military and security personnel to vulnerable communities, including Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, Wanka, and other neighbouring areas.

It also urged authorities to establish permanent security outposts in the affected border communities to curb further attacks.

In addition, the group appealed to the local, state, and federal governments to provide urgent relief and support for victims and displaced residents who have lost homes, livelihoods, and livestock as a result of the attack.

“We call for enhanced coordinated security operations along the Plateau–Taraba–Bauchi border and immediate relief support for victims who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and cattle,” the statement added.