By Muhammad Sani Muazu
A late-night armed robbery incident on Tuesday in Rafin Tambari, a community along the Bauchi–Jos Road, has left one vigilante member injured and one suspected robber dead, while another remains in a coma.
Speaking to journalists, the Vigilante Commander of Rafin Tambari, Musa Nasiru, said trouble began when armed men stormed a POS shop in the area and attempted to escape with stolen money. According to him, residents mobilized quickly, apprehending one of the suspects before his accomplice, armed with an AK-47 rifle, opened fire in an attempt to rescue him.
“In the process, he shot one vigilante member in the leg and mistakenly shot his own partner in the stomach,” Nasiru explained. “The robber held by residents was beaten severely and became unconscious before security operatives arrived.”
The vigilante commander added that a vehicle suspected to belong to the robbers was later discovered abandoned along the road. “When we tried the key recovered at the scene, the car opened. That’s why we believe it is their operational vehicle. We have also handed it over to the police,” he said.
Nasiru raised concerns over growing insecurity in the area, recalling a recent discovery of hidden ammunition and an AK-47 around the outskirts of the community. He appealed to the government for support with basic working tools.
“We have more than 30 active members, yet we lack weapons, mobility and proper equipment. Even locally made firearms would help,” he lamented.
Police Confirm Incident, Recover Cash and Weapons
The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the incident, describing it as an armed robbery attack on a POS business owned by Yahaya Isiaka Adams, aged 33.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, told our correspondent in a telephone interview that a distress call was received around 8:00 p.m. on November 18, 2025, reporting gunshots and robbery activities in Rafin Tambari.
According to him, a 38-year-old resident, Aminu Mohammed Usman, sustained a gunshot wound to the right leg and was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) for treatment on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu.
Wakil disclosed that the robbers initially made away with N570,000, but abandoned N275,000 while fleeing. Two of the suspects were later attacked by an angry mob. “One was confirmed dead by medical doctors, while the second suspect remains in a coma at ATBUTH,” he confirmed.
Items recovered from the scene include:
A black Peugeot 206 with registration number KUJ 604 DF
Three empty 6.32mm ammunition shells
A mobile phone
A knife
A small bag containing a pistol and a baton
The PPRO added that the Commissioner of Police has ordered intensified efforts to track down the remaining members of the robbery gang.