Bauchi State Police Command

BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND

PRESS RELEASE

The Editors,

POLICE, VIGILANTE REPEL BANDITS’ AMBUSH AT YANKARI GAME RESERVE; LOST ONE VIGILANTE, ARRESTED FOUR SUSPECTS

The Bauchi State Police Command regrets to announce the death of a very hardworking vigilante member following an ambush by armed bandits at Yankari Game Reserve on Sunday, 12th April, 2026.

According to reports received, at about 1330hrs, a joint patrol team comprising policemen attached to Mai-Ari Outpost and members of the local vigilante group were conducting routine patrol along Bakin Layi axis of Yankari Game Reserve when they came under sudden attack by armed bandits who had laid ambush.

During the unprovoked attack, one Hambali Alhaji Sa’adu, male, 27 years old, of Mai-Ari Village, Maimadi Ward, and a member of the vigilante group, sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save him, he was confirmed dead by a doctor. His remains have since been evacuated and buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

In a show of courage and resilience, the joint security team immediately regrouped, trailed the fleeing assailants, and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire. The superior firepower and tactical response of the team forced the bandits to retreat in disarray, with several of them escaping with suspected bullet wounds.

The operation further led to the arrest of four suspects. They are currently in custody and undergoing thorough investigation to determine their level of involvement and to uncover other members of the syndicate.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc (+), commiserates with the family of the late vigilante, Hambali, and the entire Mai-Ari community. He described the deceased as a brave patriot who paid the supreme price in defence of his community.

CP Aliyu reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to rid the State of banditry and other violent crimes. He has directed intensified bush-combing operations around Yankari Game Reserve and adjoining forests to apprehend other fleeing bandits and recover illegal arms.

The Command appreciates the synergy between the Police and local vigilante groups and urged the public, especially those in rural communities, to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest security formation.

SP Nafiu Habib, anipr, FFIS
Police Public Relations Officer

For: THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
14th April, 2026.

CAR THEFT

A KIA RIO Sedan Car
Reg No: BE 28 YAB
ABUJA
Colour: black with white rough dot on the Burnett was Stolen at about 80:30PM, yesterday (12th April, 2026) by unknown person(s) around Yelwa/Rafin Zurfi Axis, Bauchi, if found or intercepted, Kindly call Mr. Dauda on 08036247036 or report to the nearest Police Station.

Thank you.

BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND
PRESS RELEASE

The Editors,

SECURITY MEASURES: COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES SUSPENDED IN BAUCHI CATTLE MARKETS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, ENFORCEMENT COMMENCES
..As CP Omolori urges law-abiding citizens to comply and provide security agencies with useful information

Following persistent cases of cattle rustling, banditry, and kidnapping in some parts of the state, the Bauchi State Police Command wishes to inform the public that the Bauchi State Government has approved the temporary suspension of commercial activities in selected cattle markets across four Local Government Areas. This proactive measure is aimed at disrupting the network of criminal elements who exploit these markets to sell rustled livestock and fund other violent crimes.

The decision was reached after a comprehensive security assessment conducted by relevant stakeholders, including the State Security Council, traditional rulers, and community leaders. Intelligence reports revealed that some of the affected markets were being used as transit points for stolen cattle, thereby enabling the activities of criminal syndicates operating within and outside the state.

Consequently, the affected cattle markets are as follows:

In *Alkaleri LGA*: Alkaleri, Mansur, Futuk, Yalo, Gwana, Yalon Gurza, Kuka, Rimi, Pali, Bokwas, Kwaimawa, Mai-Ari, Gajin Duguri, and Maina Ma'aji markets are to remain closed until further notice.

In *Bauchi LGA*: The Liman Katagum cattle market is also shut down.

In *Kirfi LGA*: Operations at Lariski, Bara, Sharfuri (night market), Cheledi, and Boli cattle markets have been suspended.

In *Tafawa Balewa LGA*: The Burga, Bununu, Ball, Kulumbo, and Zwall cattle markets are equally closed until further directive.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc(+), has directed Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders, and other security formations in the affected LGAs to ensure strict enforcement of this directive. Patrol teams and intelligence operatives have been deployed to monitor compliance and to arrest any person or group attempting to circumvent the order.

While urging the good people of the state to abide by the law and comply with this development, CP Omolori reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to sustain an aggressive stance against kidnapping, cattle rustling, banditry, and all forms of criminality within the state. He further appealed to members of the public, especially community leaders, youth groups, and market associations, to support this effort by promptly reporting any suspicious movements, gatherings, or activities to the nearest police station or security outpost.

The Command assured residents that this suspension is temporary and will be reviewed as soon as the security situation improves. The Bauchi State Command remains committed to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM's vision of people-centred and intelligence-led policing aimed at restoring lasting peace across the state.

For emergencies, complaints, and information to the Police (Bauchi State Command), call: 08151849417, 08050404039. Citizens can also make their complaints on the 'Police Rescue Me' application that can be downloaded from the Play Store.

SP Nafiu Habib, ANIPR, FFIS
Police Public Relations Officer

For: THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
10th April, 2026.