Plateau ambush: Operation Safe Haven confirms eight vigilantes killed

The Special Military Task Force responsible for maintaining peace in Plateau State, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), has confirmed that eight vigilante members were killed in an ambush by armed bandits in Kanam Local Government Area on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

The clarification came through a statement issued on Wednesday by the taskforce’s spokesperson, Major Samson Zhakom, who addressed circulating reports that claimed as many as 70 vigilantes had been killed in the incident.

“Following recent media reports alleging the killing of 70 vigilantes in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State, Headquarters Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) wishes to clarify the incident,” the statement read. “While OPSH confirms the occurrence of the event, certain details circulating are inaccurate. Below is an official account of what transpired.”

According to the official narrative, a large group of vigilantes mobilised independently from Kanam without notifying OPSH. Upon arrival at Kukawa community, the group halted temporarily, during which time they reportedly clashed with local residents. The statement alleged that the vigilantes attacked civilians and looted multiple provision stores in the area.

Furthermore, the vigilante group was accused of forcefully seizing over 20 motorcycles from Kukawa residents before proceeding toward Odare Forest, where they intended to carry out an operation.

“However, while advancing toward the forest, the group was ambushed by armed bandits, resulting in the death of eight vigilantes, with others still missing,” Zhakom stated. “The remains of the deceased have been recovered and buried, while troops from Sector 2 OPSH in Wase are conducting search and rescue operations to locate the missing individuals.”

In response to the incident, the taskforce strongly cautioned vigilante groups against embarking on missions without official coordination, warning that such uncoordinated actions pose serious risks to both the operatives and civilians.

“In light of this incident, OPSH strongly advises all vigilante groups and individuals within the state against conducting unauthorised operations without prior coordination with security forces,” the statement continued. “While we recognise the vigilantes’ intent to protect underserved areas, independent actions without OPSH’s approval endanger both the operatives and innocent civilians.”

The taskforce reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining peace in Plateau State, stressing that it would take decisive action against any group or individual attempting to undermine ongoing security efforts.

“We urge the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing actionable intelligence and reporting suspicious activities within their communities,” OPSH added.