Local Vigilante, Four Bandits Die in Fierce Gun Battle at Yankari Game Reserve

A local vigilante member, Hambali Sa’adu, has been confirmed deceased after an ambush by suspected armed bandits within the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State. The Nigeria Police Force, through its Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, released a statement on Tuesday, April 14, detailing the confrontation.

The incident took place on Sunday, April 12, around 1:30 pm near the Bakin Layi area of the reserve. A combined patrol team, consisting of officers from the Mai-Ari Outpost and local vigilante members, came under heavy fire from bandits who had reportedly set up an ambush.

During the intense exchange, the deceased, identified as a 27-year-old indigene of Mai-Ari Village in Maimadi Ward, sustained critical gunshot injuries. He was later pronounced dead by medical personnel and was subsequently buried in line with Islamic traditions.

Following the initial assault, the security team reorganized and launched a decisive counter-offensive against the attackers. The police statement highlighted the bravery of the joint security team, who pursued the fleeing bandits and engaged them in a significant gun duel.

"The superior firepower and tactical response forced the bandits to retreat, with several escaping with suspected gunshot wounds," the statement indicated. The police reported that four of the bandits were killed during the firefight, while an additional four suspects were apprehended and are currently undergoing investigations.

Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, extended his condolences to the family of the fallen vigilante and the Mai-Ari community. He lauded the deceased as a courageous patriot who sacrificed his life defending his community.

CP Aliyu reaffirmed the command's unwavering commitment to combating banditry and other criminal activities. He announced that operations to comb the areas surrounding the Yankari Game Reserve would be intensified.