Gunmen Kill Police Inspector, Air Force Corporal in Plateau Security Ambush

Gunmen have reportedly killed a Police Inspector and a Nigerian Air Force corporal during an ambush on a joint security patrol in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident was reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama, who said the attack occurred at about 5:00 a.m. on August 4 after four security personnel drawn from two security guard locations mounted a snap checkpoint along the Ganawuri–Sabon Gida Road.

According to the report, the operatives were returning to their respective duty posts when two members of the team failed to return, prompting an immediate search and clearance operation.

Officers found dead

During the operation, security personnel discovered the bodies of Inspector John Zakaria of the Nigeria Police Force and Lance Corporal Mohammed Musa of the Nigerian Air Force.

According to the report, the attackers made away with the slain officers’ service weapons.

“Their service weapons had been taken by the attackers,” the report stated.

The bodies were evacuated from the scene, while the motorcycle being used by the victims was recovered.

Security operation underway

Preliminary findings indicated that the ambush occurred near an area previously occupied by suspected Fulani herders, who had reportedly fled with their cattle before security reinforcements arrived.

The report also noted that the attack scene was located close to a Berom settlement.

Security forces have since launched cordon-and-search operations across surrounding communities as efforts continue to identify those responsible for the attack and recover the stolen weapons.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, while military and other security agencies continue security operations in the area.