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 Tuesday, August 4.
According to the report, four security personnel drawn from two security guard locations had mounted a snap checkpoint along the Ganawuri-Sabon Gida Road before returning to their respective duty posts.
Two members of the team, however, failed to return, prompting troops to immediately launch a search and clearance operation in the area.
During the operation, the security personnel reportedly discovered the bodies of Inspector John Zakaria of the Nigeria Police Force and Lance Corporal Mohammed Musa of the Nigerian Air Force.
“Their service weapons had been taken by the attackers,” the report stated.
The bodies of the slain personnel were subsequently evacuated from the scene, while the motorcycle they were using was recovered.
Preliminary findings indicated that the ambush occurred near an area previously occupied by suspected Fulani herders, who had reportedly fled the location with their cattle before security reinforcements arrived.
The scene of the attack was also reportedly located near a Berom settlement.
Security forces have since launched cordon-and-search operations across surrounding communities as efforts continue to track down the attackers and recover the stolen weapons.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, while military and other security agencies continue operations in the area to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
