In a shocking escalation of violence, gunmen ambushed a Nigerian police patrol team in Jos, Plateau State, killing two officers attached to the Intelligence Response Team (IRT). The tragic attack occurred on Tuesday night along Little Rayfield Road in Jos South Local Government Area at approximately 7:30 p.m.
The slain officers, identified as Inspector Fatoye Femi and Inspector Dafur Dashit, were conducting a routine patrol when they were suddenly attacked by gunmen suspected to be armed robbers or kidnappers. A fierce gun battle ensued, during which one of the assailants, identified as Auwal Ali, a resident of Angwang Doki Bukuru, was apprehended.
Following the deadly ambush, the Superintendent of Police for ‘B’ Division, Bukuru, and his team were immediately deployed to the area to restore order and prevent further violence. According to a situation report (SITREP) obtained by Sahara Reporters, the incident is being thoroughly investigated.
The official memo reads:
> “SITREP: Grateful be informed that today Tuesday 25/02/025 at about 1930Hrs X team of police personnel attached to IRT Department while on routine patrol along Little Rayfield Road, Jos South LGA, were attacked by unknown gunmen suspected to be armed robbers/kidnappers, resulting in gunfire exchange. Inspr Fatoye Femi and Inspr Dafur Dashit lost their lives, while one suspect, Auwal Ali ‘M’ of Angwang Doki Bukuru, was arrested. The SUPOL ‘B’ Division Bukuru and his team have already dominated the area. Below are the photographs of the police personnel, the suspect, and his vehicle for your information, sir.”
The gruesome murder of these officers highlights the worsening security crisis in Nigeria, where law enforcement personnel increasingly become targets of criminal syndicates. Over the past few years, attacks on security operatives have surged alarmingly, raising concerns over the safety of those entrusted with protecting lives and property.
In February 2024, at least four police officers were killed in a gun battle with suspected Islamist insurgents in Borno State.
In April 2022, over 70 people were massacred in coordinated attacks on several villages in Plateau State, prompting an urgent security intervention.
In August 2022, unidentified gunmen stormed a security checkpoint in Riyom, Plateau State, killing two police officers in cold blood.
With violent crime and insurgency on the rise, Nigeria’s security forces remain on high alert as they battle against increasingly sophisticated criminal elements. Meanwhile, the public demands urgent government intervention to curb these relentless attacks and bring perpetrators to justice.
This latest assault on the Nigerian police underscores the urgent need for enhanced intelligence gathering, better equipment for officers, and stricter security measures to counter the growing wave of violence. Security experts have also called for greater community involvement in crime prevention, urging citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in tackling insecurity.
As the investigation into this deadly ambush continues, Nigerians await decisive action from security agencies to ensure that justice is served and that the country does not descend further into lawlessness.
PIONEER NEWS 