A member of a local vigilante group, Hambali Sa’adu, has been killed following an ambush by suspected armed bandits at the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, the incident occurred on Sunday at about 1:30pm along the Bakin Layi axis of the reserve when a joint patrol team of police officers and vigilantes came under heavy gunfire from the attackers.
The deceased, a 27-year-old from Mai-Ari Village in Maimadi Ward, sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the attack and was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor before being buried according to Islamic rites.
The police said the joint security team regrouped and launched a counteroffensive, engaging the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat, with several escaping with suspected gunshot injuries.
The command further stated that four bandits were killed and four suspects arrested during the operation, while the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the security response and ordered intensified bush-combing operations in the area.
