Gunmen ambush joint security patrol in Plateau, two operatives feared dead

Gunmen have reportedly killed a Police Inspector and a Nigerian Air Force corporal during an ambush on a joint security patrol in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident was reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to the report, the attack occurred at about 5:00am on August 4 after four security personnel drawn from two security guard locations mounted a snap checkpoint along the Ganawuri–Sabon Gida Road.

Makama reported that the personnel were returning to their respective duty posts when two members of the team failed to return, prompting troops to launch an immediate search and clearance operation.

During the operation, security operatives discovered the bodies of Inspector John Zakaria of the Nigeria Police Force and Lance Corporal Mohammed Musa of the Nigerian Air Force.

“Their service weapons had been taken by the attackers,” the report stated.

According to Makama, the bodies of the slain officers were evacuated from the scene, while the motorcycle they were using was recovered.

Preliminary findings, according to the report, indicated that the ambush occurred near an area previously occupied by suspected Fulani herders, who had reportedly fled with their cattle before security reinforcements arrived. 

The report added that the attack scene was located near a Berom settlement.

Security forces have since launched cordon-and-search operations across surrounding communities as efforts continue to track down the attackers and recover the stolen weapons.

The report added that investigations into the incident are ongoing, while military and other security agencies continue operations in the area to identify those responsible.