Deadly attack in Kanam LGA leaves communities shaken as bandits loot property and rustle cattle
Byline:
By BlaqWrites | 24Hype Media
March 15, 2026
Category: National News | Security
More than 20 security personnel have reportedly been killed after armed bandits ambushed a patrol team in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State, in what community leaders have described as one of the deadliest attacks in the area in recent months.
The incident occurred on Friday afternoon in Wanka district when a joint patrol team made up of troops from the Nigerian Army and members of a local vigilante group were travelling in two vehicles on routine patrol across communities including Garga, Kyaram, and Gyambau.
According to reports from residents and local leaders, the patrol team was suddenly ambushed by a large group of heavily armed bandits who had reportedly laid in wait along the route.
The attackers opened fire on the security convoy, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Initial reports suggested that three army officers, including a captain, and several vigilante members were killed during the attack. However, new information released by the Kanam Development Association (KADA) indicates that the death toll is significantly higher.
In a statement jointly signed by KADA Chairman Garba Aliyu and Secretary Shehu Kanam, the association confirmed that at least 12 security personnel lost their lives in the ambush, including two senior military officers.
Eight members of the vigilante group who joined the patrol to help defend their communities were also reportedly killed during the confrontation.
“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 read.
The association also revealed that after attacking the patrol team, the bandits reportedly moved into Kyaram community where they looted properties worth millions of naira and rustled a large number of cattle belonging to residents.
Local sources say some civilians may also have been killed during the raid, although the exact number has not yet been confirmed.
Community leaders say the attack reflects the growing insecurity affecting communities along the border corridor linking Plateau State, Taraba State, and Bauchi State, where incidents of banditry, kidnappings, cattle rustling, and destruction of property have repeatedly been reported.
The Kanam Development Association has called on authorities to urgently deploy additional security personnel to affected communities including Wanka, Garga, Kyaram, and Gyambau, and to establish permanent security outposts in the region.
They also appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Plateau State Government, and local authorities to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to families of victims and residents who have lost homes, livestock, and livelihoods as a result of the attack.
As of the time of filing this report, military authorities have not yet released an official statement confirming the full casualty figures from the incident.
But for many residents in these communities, the pain is already real.
Another patrol.
Another ambush.
Another list of names added to the growing toll of lives lost to insecurity.
And once again, the question hangs heavy in the air: how many more lives must be lost before communities like these finally feel safe?
If you believe communities deserve better protection, share this story and join the conversation.
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— BlaqWrites
