Gunmen Ambush Patrol Team in Nasarawa State, Killing Police Inspector and Father-Son Duo

 

Unidentified gunmen ambushed a security patrol team in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria, on Sunday, December 14, 2025, resulting in the deaths of a police inspector and two civilians—a father and his son. The attack occurred around 6:30 p.m. along the Ajimaka Village road en route to Rukubi town, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region's rural areas.

The patrol team, operating under "Operation Restore Peace," was led by Inspector Jampi Mbursa and included members of a local vigilante group. According to reports, the assailants opened fire on the team during a routine patrol, fatally shooting Inspector Mbursa and two residents from Ajimaka Village: Julius Igbogh and his son, Raphael Julius. The attackers then fled the scene, carting away the inspector's AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition.

The victims were rushed to Rukubi General Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed them dead on arrival. Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital's mortuary pending further arrangements. The Nasarawa State Police Command has condemned the attack and launched an intensive operation to recover the stolen firearm and apprehend the perpetrators

This incident underscores the persistent insecurity in Nasarawa State's southern regions, particularly in Doma LGA, which borders Benue State and has experienced recurrent attacks attributed to bandits, armed robbers, or herder-farmer clashes. While the motives behind this specific ambush remain unclear—no group has claimed responsibility—the theft of a service weapon raises concerns about arms proliferation and potential escalation of violence.

Nasarawa State, located in Nigeria's North-Central zone, has seen a spate of similar incidents in recent months. In November 2025, separate ambushes in Doma and nearby areas claimed the lives of security personnel and civilians, often involving stolen firearms. These attacks are part of a broader pattern of rural banditry affecting the Middle Belt, where porous borders and forested terrains provide cover for assailants.

Local communities in Ajimaka and Rukubi have expressed grief and fear, with residents calling for increased military presence and intelligence gathering. The vigilante groups, which supplement formal policing in remote areas due to limited resources, played a role in this patrol but were overwhelmed by the sudden assault.

The Nasarawa State Police Command, through its spokesperson, has assured the public of ongoing efforts to neutralize threats. Reinforcement teams have been deployed to the area to prevent reprisals and conduct searches. Governor Abdullahi Sule's administration has previously vowed to tackle insecurity, including collaborations with federal forces under operations like Whirl Stroke and Restore Peace.

This ambush comes amid national concerns over rising attacks on security forces. In the North-Central region alone, troops have reported neutralizing extremists and rescuing kidnap victims in recent operations across Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa. However, incidents like this highlight gaps in proactive patrolling and community intelligence.

The loss of Inspector Mbursa, a dedicated officer, and the civilian father-son pair has drawn condolences from various quarters. Community leaders in Doma have urged calm while demanding justice. Analysts note that such targeted attacks on patrols not only demoralize security agents but also embolden criminals by providing them with sophisticated weapons.

As investigations continue, authorities are examining possible links to known bandit groups operating along the Nasarawa-Benue axis. The recovery of the stolen AK-47 is a priority to prevent its use in future crimes. Residents are encouraged to provide anonymous tips to aid the manhunt.

This tragic event adds to the toll of violence in Nasarawa, where ethnic, resource, and criminal conflicts intersect. Sustained federal and state interventions, including improved rural infrastructure and community policing, are seen as critical to restoring lasting peace.