A fresh wave of violence has rocked Bauchi State after armed bandits attacked a Joint Task Force (JTF) base in Gwana community, Gwana District of Alkaleri Local Government Area, killing two soldiers and a local vigilante member while abducting three residents.

The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday by its Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib. According to the statement, the attack occurred on Sunday and triggered a fierce gun duel between security operatives and the assailants.

Habib disclosed that the slain soldiers were attached to the 33 Artillery Brigade. A member of the local vigilante group also lost his life during the confrontation.

“As a result of the attack, two soldiers attached to 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, and a vigilante paid the supreme price during the encounter,” the statement read.

In addition to the fatalities, three members of the affected community were abducted by the bandits. However, the police Anti-Kidnapping Unit reportedly neutralised about seven of the attackers during the exchange of gunfire, dealing a significant blow to the criminal group.

Following the attack, security presence has been reinforced across the troubled community. The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, assured residents that additional personnel had been deployed to restore calm, safeguard displaced persons, and prevent further attacks.

Aliyu added that intelligence gathering and surveillance operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and secure the safe release of the abducted victims.

The latest bandit attack in Bauchi underscores persistent security challenges in parts of northern Nigeria, with authorities pledging intensified counter-banditry operations and closer collaboration between the military, police, and community vigilantes.