Gunmen ambush security patrol in Plateau, kill police inspector, air force officer

Gunmen have killed a police inspector and an air force lance corporal during an ambush on a joint security patrol in Riyom LGA of Plateau State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, that the attackers also fled with the victims’ service weapons.

According to the report, the attack occurred around 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday after four security personnel drawn from two guard locations mounted a snap roadblock along the Ganawuri–Sabon Gida road.

While the team was returning to their respective duty posts, two of the personnel failed to return, prompting troops to immediately launch a clearance operation.

During the search, security forces discovered the bodies of an inspector of the Nigeria Police Force and a lance corporal of the Nigerian Air Force. Their service weapons had been taken by the attackers.

The bodies were evacuated from the scene, while the victims’ motorcycle was recovered.

Preliminary findings indicated that the ambush occurred near an area previously occupied by herders, who had reportedly fled with their cattle before reinforcements arrived. The attack site was also said to be close to a Berom settlement.

Security forces have since launched cordon-and-search operations in nearby communities, with efforts ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen weapons. Authorities say investigations into the incident are continuing, with more details expected as operations progress.