Armed gangs kill 20 security personnel and vigilantes in Nigeria

About 20 security personnel and local vigilantes have been killed by armed gangs in Plateau State, in north-central Nigeria. The region is one of several across the country grappling with persistent attacks by armed groups.

Security personnel were on a routine patrol in the Kanam local government area when they were confronted by armed gangs.

The Secretary of the Kanam Development Association says two senior military officers were among those killed. Others included vigilante members and personnel from different security agencies.

He says some of the attackers were also killed during the exchange of gunfire. But several of the gunmen managed to escape after rustling cattle and looting property from local communities.

Parts of Plateau State have for years faced recurring violence, including attacks on villages, kidnappings for ransom, and rustling of cattle.

Last month, at least three people were killed in Kanam. In December 2023, more than 100 people died when gunmen attacked communities in the Bokkos local government area. Local leaders are now calling for a stronger security presence across the state.

The Plateau State government has condemned the latest attack on security operatives while praising their bravery.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang says his administration is working closely with the military and other security agencies to intensify surveillance, reinforce security deployments, and strengthen response operations across affected communities.