Two soldiers and a local vigilante member have been killed following a bandit attack on a Joint Task Force base in Gwana community, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, in one of the latest security breaches in Nigeria’s northeast. The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident occurred on February 22, 2026, triggering a gun battle that also left several attackers dead and civilians abducted.
Police authorities said the victims included two personnel attached to the 33 Artillery Brigade in Bauchi and a vigilante operative who was supporting security forces during the assault. In response, operatives from the Anti Kidnapping Unit engaged the attackers and neutralized about seven bandits during the confrontation.
The attack underscores the persistent threat posed by armed bandit groups across northern Nigeria, where rural communities and security installations have increasingly become targets. Bauchi State, while less frequently affected than neighboring states such as Kaduna and Zamfara, has experienced growing security pressure in recent years due to the movement of armed groups across regional borders.
Joint Task Force bases play a critical role in coordinating military, police, and local security operations, particularly in vulnerable rural districts. Attacks on such facilities signal attempts by armed groups to weaken local security presence and expand operational freedom.
According to police spokesperson SP Nafiu Habib, the assault occurred at about 4:32 pm on Sunday, when armed bandits launched a coordinated attack on both the Gwana community and the Joint Task Force base stationed there. The attackers reportedly engaged security personnel in a direct firefight, resulting in casualties on both sides.
The violence quickly disrupted daily life in the area, forcing residents to flee as gunfire spread across the community. The attackers also abducted three residents during the operation, further escalating fears among locals.
Security forces responded with counterfire, led in part by the Police Anti Kidnapping Unit, which confronted the assailants during the gun duel. Authorities confirmed that approximately seven bandits were killed during the exchange.
Despite the defensive response, the attackers succeeded in inflicting losses on security personnel and carrying out civilian abductions before retreating from the area.
Police authorities have since deployed additional security personnel to Gwana District and surrounding areas. The reinforcements are tasked with restoring order, protecting displaced residents, and preventing further incursions.
The most decisive phase of the confrontation occurred during the direct engagement between security forces and the attackers at the Joint Task Force base. The loss of trained military personnel highlights the intensity of the clash and the growing boldness of armed groups targeting fortified security positions.
The abduction of civilians during the same operation demonstrated the attackers’ continued focus on kidnapping as both a tactic of terror and a potential source of ransom income.
Following the attack, residents began fleeing Gwana community in large numbers, seeking refuge in neighboring areas amid fears of additional violence. The sudden displacement reflects the psychological and humanitarian impact of such attacks on rural populations.
Security agencies have intensified intelligence gathering operations aimed at tracking the fleeing assailants. Authorities say efforts are underway to identify the perpetrators, rescue the abducted residents, and prevent further escalation.
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Sani Omolori Aliyu, has assured the public that coordinated security operations remain active and focused on stabilizing the affected area.
Security presence has been strengthened across vulnerable locations in Alkaleri Local Government Area, with authorities closely monitoring movements within and around Gwana District. Officials say further updates will be provided as operations progress and investigations continue.
The deployment signals a broader effort to prevent repeat attacks and reassure communities shaken by the violence.
The attack on the Joint Task Force base in Gwana marks a significant escalation in security challenges within Bauchi State, highlighting the continued threat posed by armed groups despite ongoing countermeasures. As security forces intensify pursuit operations and work to rescue abducted civilians, the incident reinforces the urgency of strengthening rural defense systems and restoring public confidence in the region’s security framework.
