Tragedy struck in Bauchi State as Hambali Sa’adu, a member of a local vigilante group, lost his life during an ambush carried out by suspected armed bandits at the Yankari Game Reserve.
The development was made known in an official statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar. According to the report, the attack took place on Sunday at about 1:30pm along the Bakin Layi axis of the reserve.
At the time of the incident, a joint patrol team made up of police personnel from the Mai-Ari Outpost and members of a local vigilante group was carrying out routine security operations when they were suddenly met with heavy gunfire from bandits who had strategically laid an ambush.
During the attack, Hambali Sa’adu, a 27-year-old indigene of Mai-Ari Village in Maimadi Ward, suffered severe gunshot wounds. Despite efforts, he was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor. His remains have since been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic burial rites.
In response to the attack, the security team quickly reorganized and launched a counteroffensive against the fleeing assailants.
“In a show of courage, the joint security team pursued the fleeing bandits and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. The superior firepower and tactical response forced the bandits to retreat, with several escaping with suspected gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
Authorities confirmed that four of the bandits were neutralized during the gunfight, while four others were apprehended. The arrested suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased and the entire Mai-Ari community. He described Sa’adu as a courageous individual who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty to protect his people.
The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s resolve to combat banditry and related violent crimes in the state. He also directed an increase in security operations, including intensified bush-combing efforts within and around the Yankari Game Reserve to prevent further attacks.
