Gunmen ambush joint security patrol in Plateau, two operatives feared dead
Gunmen Kill Police Inspector and Air Force Corporal in Plateau State Ambush
Riyom, Plateau State — Gunmen ambushed a joint security patrol early Friday, resulting in the deaths of a Police Inspector and a Nigerian Air Force corporal. The assault occurred around 5 a.m. on August 4, as security personnel from two different units set up a surprise checkpoint along the Ganawuri–Sabon Gida Road.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that the attack unfolded while the team was returning to their respective posts. When two members of the patrol failed to return, the military launched a search and clearance operation.
During this operation, the bodies of Inspector John Zakaria of the Nigeria Police Force and Lance Corporal Mohammed Musa of the Nigerian Air Force were found. Authorities noted that the attackers had taken their service weapons.
Makama indicated that the slain officers’ bodies were evacuated from the site, and the motorcycle they were using was recovered. Preliminary investigations suggest the ambush took place near an area previously frequented by suspected Fulani herders, who reportedly fled with their cattle before reinforcements arrived.
The scene of the attack is situated close to a Berom settlement. In response, security forces have initiated cordon-and-search operations in surrounding communities to locate the attackers and recover the stolen weapons.
Investigations into the ambush are ongoing, as military and other security agencies remain active in the area to identify those responsible for the attack.
