The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed a bandit attack on the Joint Task Force base in Gwana community, Gwana District of Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Nafiu Habib, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said that two soldiers attached to the 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, and a member of the local vigilante group lost their lives during the encounter.

He added that about seven bandits were neutralized by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Police (AKU) during the gun duel.

According to the PPRO, three residents of the affected community were abducted by the bandits.

“The Bauchi State Police Command reports a bandit attack on the community and the Joint Task Force (JTF) base at Gwana District, Alkaleri LGA, on 22nd February, 2026, at about 1632hrs” the statement read.

“Unfortunately, as a result of the attack, two soldiers attached to 33 Artillary 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.

“Additional security forces have been deployed to restore order, protect displaced civilians, and prevent further attacks.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc (+), assures the public that monitoring and intelligence gathering are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing assailants and rescue victims.

“Further updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.”

Meanwhile, residents of the community are fleeing the area in large number, seeking safety in neighbouring state following the attack.