The Special Military Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), has confirmed that eight vigilante members were killed in an ambush by armed bandits in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 6, 2025, during an uncoordinated mission launched by the vigilantes without notifying military authorities.
In a statement released on Wednesday, OPSH spokesman Major Samson Zhakom addressed reports circulating in the media that claimed as many as 70 vigilantes were killed. Zhakom clarified that while the ambush did occur, only eight fatalities had been confirmed, with others still unaccounted for. He revealed that the vigilante group had mobilized independently from Kanam with the intent to conduct a security operation in Odare Forest.
According to OPSH, the vigilantes made a stop at Kukawa community before heading to the forest. During their stop, they allegedly attacked local residents, looted shops, and seized over 20 motorcycles from the community. The situation escalated when they proceeded toward the forest and were ambushed by bandits, leading to the loss of eight lives. The bodies of the deceased have been recovered and buried, while troops from OPSH Sector 2 in Wase continue search and rescue operations to find those still missing.
The military strongly condemned the vigilantes’ unauthorized mission, warning that such uncoordinated actions not only undermine security efforts but also endanger both operatives and civilians. OPSH stressed the need for proper collaboration with security agencies and reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and order in Plateau State. It also emphasized that any group or individual acting outside the law will face appropriate consequences.
Members of the public were urged to support security efforts by providing actionable intelligence and promptly reporting any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
