A team of police officers on routine patrol was attacked on Tuesday in Jos Local Government Area of Plateau State, resulting in the deaths of two inspectors.

The officers, who were part of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force, were ambushed by gunmen suspected to be robbers or kidnappers along Little Rayfield Road in Jos, the state capital, at approximately 7:30 pm.

The slain officers have been identified as Inspector Fatoye Femi and Inspector Dafur Dashit. During the gunfight, one of the attackers, Auwal Ali from Angwang Doki Bukuru, was apprehended.

According to a situation report (SITREP) obtained by SaharaReporters, the Superintendent of Police for ‘B’ Division and his team have been deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent any further escalation.

The 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 routing patrol along Little Rayfield Road Jos South LGA X were attacked by unknown gun men suspected to be arm rubbers/kidnappers as a result of gun shots.

“Inspr Fatoye Femi and Inspr Dafur Dashit lost their life X while one suspect X Auwal Ali ‘M’ of Angwang Doki Bukuru was arrested X The SUPOL ‘B” Division Bukuru and his team have already dominated the area X below are the photograph of police personnel X the suspect and his car for your information sir X for Sidso ‘B’ Division Bukuru Bleep.”

In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed a troubling surge in violent attacks targeting police officers, reflecting escalating security challenges across the nation.

In February 2024, at least four police officers lost their lives during a gun battle with suspected Islamist insurgents in Borno State.

In April 2022, more than 70 individuals were killed in attacks on several villages in Plateau State, prompting the deployment of additional police units to the affected areas.

Also, in August 2022, unidentified gunmen attacked a security checkpoint in Riyom, Plateau, resulting in the deaths of two police officers.