Soldiers and Vigilantes Killed in Plateau Bandit Attack, IGP Urges Kwara Cooperation
No fewer than three soldiers and seven vigilante operatives were reportedly killed during a bandit attack in the Wanka community, located in the Keram district of the Kanam local government area in Plateau state. The incident occurred at approximately 5:30 PM on Friday, March 13, 2026, when bandits invaded the village and began shooting sporadically, leading to fierce clashes with security forces.
Details of the Deadly Clash
According to residents, the bandits launched an assault that resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Gambo Musa, a resident, provided a detailed account of the events. He stated that on Friday morning, security personnel, led by two captains, stormed the community, engaged the bandits, and killed several of them while others fled. However, hours later, before the soldiers could depart, the bandits regrouped from nearby bushes and launched a counterattack, targeting both the soldiers and the vigilantes working alongside them.
Musa confirmed that many bandits also lost their lives during the exchange of gunfire. Another resident, Ibrahim Ubale, described the attack as terrible, highlighting the intensity of the violence. Efforts to reach the Operation Enduring Peace spokesperson, Captain Polycap Oteh, for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or SMS messages at the time of reporting.
IGP Disu Reassures Kwara Residents Amid Rising Banditry
In a related development, Nigeria's Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has urged residents of Kwara state not to abandon their communities in the face of escalating bandit attacks. During a visit to the state on Monday, March 9, 2026, Disu met with security commanders, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to assess the security situation and ongoing operations against criminal groups.
Addressing residents and stakeholders at the state police command, Disu emphasized the importance of open discussions around security challenges and improving collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public. He stated, "I want you to know why I am here. I am here to discuss all the issues related to the problem of security in Kwara State."
Disu reassured the community that the police and other security agencies are committed to restoring normalcy in areas affected by banditry. He urged residents to resist intimidation and continue cooperating with security personnel by providing timely information. The IGP also noted his familiarity with the terrain and security dynamics in Kwara, having previously supervised police operations aimed at flushing bandits out of forest areas within the state.
President Tinubu's Confidence in IGP Disu
This comes as President Bola Tinubu explained his decision to appoint Tunji Disu as the new Inspector General of Police, citing confidence in Disu's leadership and operational depth. Tinubu's statement has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians, with various views on the development. The appointment underscores the government's focus on enhancing security measures to combat banditry and other criminal activities across the country.
The tragic events in Plateau state highlight the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, particularly in regions plagued by banditry. The loss of lives among soldiers and vigilantes underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between communities and security forces to address these threats effectively.
