By Sabiu Abdullahi
A police inspector and a Nigerian Air Force lance corporal have lost their lives after gunmen ambushed a joint security patrol in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to information published by counter-insurgency platform Zagazola Makama, the attackers also escaped with the slain officers’ service rifles after the attack.
The report stated that the incident occurred at about 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday. It said four security personnel from two guard locations had mounted a snap roadblock along the Ganawuri–Sabon Gida road before the attack.
“The sources said that 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,” Makama reported.
“During the search, security forces discovered the bodies of an Inspector of the Nigeria Police Force and Lance Corporal of the Nigerian Air Force.
“Their service weapons had been taken by the attackers.”
The publication said security operatives later evacuated the bodies of the deceased personnel from the scene. It added that their motorcycle was also recovered.
Preliminary findings reportedly showed that the ambush took place near an area previously occupied by herders, who were said to have fled with their cattle before reinforcements reached the location. The report also noted that the attack occurred close to a Berom community.
“Security forces have since commenced cordon-and-search operations around nearby communities, while clearance operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen weapons,” Makama said.
“Authorities said investigations into the incident are continuing, with additional details expected as operations progress.”
