Terrorists Attack JTF Base in Bauchi, Kill Two Soldiers, Vigilante; Abduct Scores

By Tgnews Reporter

Armed terrorists launched a deadly assault on a Joint Task Force (JTF) base and the surrounding community in Gwana District, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers and one local vigilante member.

The incident also saw the abduction of three community residents, amid an ongoing gun battle that left seven assailants neutralized by security forces.

The attack took place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at approximately 4:32 p.m. (1632 hours), according to a statement released by the Bauchi State Police Command. The assailants targeted both the local community and the JTF base, sparking a fierce exchange of fire.

The two fallen soldiers were attached to the 33 Artillery Brigade in Bauchi. A member of the local vigilante group also lost their life in the encounter. In response, operatives from the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) engaged the attackers, successfully neutralizing about seven of them during the intense gun duel.

Superintendent of Police Nafiu Habib, the Police Public Relations Officer for Bauchi State Command, confirmed the details in an official statement titled “Security Breach: Seven Bandits Neutralized During Attack in Gwana District, As CP Sani-Omolori Orders Additional Deployment.”

“Unfortunately, as a result of the attack, two soldiers attached to 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi and a vigilante paid the supreme price during the encounter.

Three members of the affected community were also abducted, and about seven bandits were neutralized by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Police (AKU) during the gun duel,” Habib stated.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the deployment of additional security forces to the area.

The reinforcements aim to restore order, protect residents including those displaced by the violence and prevent any further attacks. Intelligence gathering and monitoring operations are actively underway to track fleeing suspects and secure the safe release of the three abducted individuals.

“Further updates will be provided as the situation unfolds,” the police statement added.

The incident highlights the persistent security challenges in parts of northern Nigeria, where banditry and terrorist activities continue to threaten communities and security personnel. Alkaleri LGA, bordering forested areas near Gombe and Taraba states, has seen recurring incursions in recent times.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.