An ambush by armed bandits at the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State has left a vigilante member, Hambali Sa’adu, dead.

The incident was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, in a statement issued on Tuesday.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the attack occurred on Sunday at about 1:30pm, when a joint patrol team comprising policemen and members of a local vigilante group came under heavy gunfire along the Bakin Layi axis of the reserve.

The command added that four of the bandits were killed during a sustained exchange of gunfire.

The statement read, “The Bauchi State Police Command regrets to announce the death of a hard-working vigilante member following an ambush by armed bandits at Yankari Game Reserve on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

“At about 1330 hours, a joint patrol team comprising policemen attached to the Mai-Ari Outpost and members of the local vigilante group were on routine patrol when they came under a sudden attack by armed bandits who had laid an ambush.

“During the attack, Hambali Alhaji Sa’adu, a 27-year-old member of the vigilante group from Mai-Ari Village, Maimadi Ward, sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save him, he was confirmed dead by a doctor, and his remains have since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

“In a show of courage, the joint security team regrouped, pursued the fleeing assailants, and engaged them in a fierce gun battle.

“The superior firepower and tactical response of the team forced the bandits to retreat, with several escaping with suspected gunshot wounds.

“The operation also led to the arrest of four suspects, who are currently in custody and undergoing investigation to determine their level of involvement and to track down other members of the syndicate.

“The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commiserates with the family of the deceased and the Mai-Ari community, describing the late vigilante as a brave patriot who paid the supreme price in defence of his community.

“He reiterated the Command’s commitment to tackling banditry and other violent crimes and has ordered intensified bush-combing operations around Yankari Game Reserve and adjoining forests to apprehend fleeing suspects and recover illegal arms.

“The Command also commended the collaboration between the police and local vigilante groups and urged residents, particularly in rural communities, to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.”

This is not the first time security operatives have come under bandit attack in the state.

November 2025, five police officers were killed in an ambush in Sabon Sara Village, Darazo Local Government Area. (The PUNCH)