Title: Bandits Ambush Joint Patrol in Plateau, 20 Security Operatives and Vigilantes Killed Date Published: 15 March 2026 Description: No fewer than 20 security operatives and vigilante members were reportedly killed after heavily armed bandits ambushed a joint patrol team in communities around Wanka in the Garga area of Kanam Local Government Area.The incident was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday in Dengi by the Kanam Development Association, which said the victims included 12 security personnel—among them two senior military officers—and eight vigilante members assisting in community protection efforts.According to the association, the joint patrol team comprising soldiers and local vigilantes was travelling in two vehicles during a routine security operation across Garga, Kyaram and Gyambau communities when they were attacked.The ambush reportedly occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Friday while the team was heading toward Wanka, where hundreds of heavily armed bandits suddenly opened fire on them.KADA said the patrol team was overwhelmed during the confrontation that followed, resulting in the deaths of the operatives and vigilantes.“In the unfortunate exchange of gunfire that followed the ambush, our nation lost brave defenders who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty,” the statement said.The association described the killings as deeply painful and unacceptable, noting that the victims died while defending rural communities that have faced persistent security threats.It further alleged that after the attack, the bandits moved into Kyaram community, where they looted properties worth millions of naira and rustled a large number of cattle belonging to residents.KADA warned that the incident reflects a worsening security situation in the area, stressing that communities around Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau and neighbouring settlements have suffered repeated attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling for several years.The group noted that the affected communities lie along the border corridor linking Plateau State, Taraba State and Bauchi State, which bandits reportedly exploit because of the difficult terrain.According to KADA, several appeals had previously been made to authorities over the deteriorating security situation, but the crisis has continued to escalate.The association therefore called on the local, state and federal governments to urgently intervene to prevent further bloodshed in the affected communities.It specifically demanded the immediate deployment of additional military and security personnel to Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, Wanka and other surrounding settlements.KADA also urged the establishment of a permanent security presence in the border communities and coordinated security operations along the Plateau–Taraba–Bauchi corridor.The group further appealed for relief assistance for residents who have reportedly lost homes, livestock and other means of livelihood due to the attacks.“The people of these communities are law-abiding citizens whose only desire is to live peacefully, farm their land and raise their families without fear,” the association stated.Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force were unsuccessful, as they had not responded to enquiries as of the time of filing the report.KADA also extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and vigilantes as well as to the affected communities, describing their sacrifice as one that would not be forgotten. Attached Images: b2e3a37c756a80e65060cea569394a4e0aa038666f9f6a6b86096ee6226baead.jpg Attached Video: None