Kanam, Plateau State — A joint security patrol fell victim to a devastating ambush on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 operatives in the Garga area of Plateau State.

The Kanam Development Association (KADA) confirmed the incident in a statement released Saturday. According to KADA officials, the fallen include 12 security personnel—featuring two high-ranking military officers—and eight members of a local vigilante group.

Details of the Attack

The patrol team was conducting routine operations through the Kyaram, Gyambau, and Garga communities when they were intercepted by hundreds of heavily armed gunmen near the village of Wanka around 2:00 p.m.

In the fierce shootout that followed, the defenders were overwhelmed. Following the skirmish, the attackers reportedly moved into the Kyaram community to loot property and rustle a significant number of cattle.

A Growing Security Crisis

KADA leadership emphasized that this tragedy is part of a worsening trend. The border region shared by Plateau, Taraba, and Bauchi states has become a flashpoint for:

• Persistent Kidnappings: Residents have faced years of targeted abductions.
• Economic Sabotage: Systematic cattle rustling and theft of livelihoods.
• Border Vulnerability: Criminals exploit the difficult terrain where the three states meet

"Our nation has lost brave defenders who paid the ultimate price," the association stated, adding that these law-abiding rural communities feel increasingly abandoned to the mercy of armed gangs.

Urgent Demands for Intervention

Despite previous appeals to the government, KADA notes that the security situation has only escalated. The association is now calling for:

•  Immediate Reinforcements: A surge of military and police presence in Wanka and surrounding villages.
•  Permanent Stations: The establishment of fixed security bases along the volatile border corridors.
•  Humanitarian Relief: Emergency support for families who have lost homes and livestock in the recent raids.

As of press time, official spokespeople for the police and military have yet to release a formal statement regarding the casualty figures or ongoing pursuit of the attackers.