At least 20 security operatives and vigilante members were reportedly killed after heavily armed bandits ambushed a joint security patrol in Wanka and surrounding communities in the Garga axis of Kanam Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The attack, which occurred around 2:00 p.m. on Friday, claimed the lives of 12 security personnel—including two senior military officers—and eight vigilantes assisting in local security operations.
The incident was disclosed by Kanam Development Association (KADA) in a statement signed by its Secretary, ND Shehu Kanam, and Chairman, Garba G. Aliyu, and issued in Dengi on Saturday.
According to the statement, the joint patrol team, travelling in two vehicles on routine operations across Garga, Kyaram and Gyambau communities, was attacked by hundreds of armed bandits while approaching Wanka.
KADA said the ambush led to a fierce gun battle in which several personnel were overwhelmed.
The association described the killings as a painful loss, noting that those killed died defending vulnerable rural communities repeatedly targeted by criminal groups.
It added that shortly after the attack, the assailants stormed Kyaram community, looted properties valued at millions of naira and rustled a large number of cattle.
KADA warned that communities around Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau and neighbouring settlements near the borders of Taraba State and Bauchi State have remained under sustained threat from bandit attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling over the past several years.
The association called for urgent deployment of additional troops, permanent security formations in the affected areas and coordinated operations along the Plateau–Taraba–Bauchi border corridor.
It also appealed for relief support for residents who have lost homes, livestock and livelihoods.
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