Bauchi Community Thwarts Robbery, Kills Two Suspected Armed Robbers
Story: written by Uzuh Rita November 20,2025
Residents of Rafin Tambari, near Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic (ATAP) in Bauchi, successfully repelled an armed robbery on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of two suspected attackers.
According to eyewitnesses, the robbers targeted a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator around 7:30 pm but were overpowered by quick-acting residents. One suspect was beaten to death by the mob, while another was injured—reportedly shot by his fleeing accomplices—before being attacked by the crowd and rushed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in a coma.
A resident described the tense scene: “We were at mosque for evening prayers when we heard shouts of ‘robbers, robbers!’ People were running as shots were fired into the air. Residents quickly mobilized and caught one of the robbers, while the others fled.”
The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident, noting that one Aminu Mohammed Usman, 38, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. Police officers retrieved the injured suspect and recovered stolen items, including N275,000 in cash, a black Peugeot 206 used by the robbers, a pistol, a knife, and three empty 6.32mm cartridges.
CSP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, police spokesperson, stated, “Two of the suspects were attacked by residents; one was confirmed dead, while the other remains in critical condition. The Commissioner of Police has directed intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining criminals.”
Traditional leaders in Rafin Tambari urged the government to equip local vigilante groups with better mobility and resources to prevent future attacks. The village head, Malam Musa, highlighted the vulnerability of poorly equipped vigilantes against armed criminals.
Yahaya Isiaka, the targeted POS operator, explained that the robbers demanded money, ransacked his shop, and fired shots when residents intervened. The community’s swift response led to the suspects being overpowered, with stolen cash and items recovered during the pursuit.
Musa Nasiru, Commandant of the Rafin Tambari Vigilante Group, said police were promptly notified and removed both the deceased and injured suspects, along with the vehicle used during the attempted robbery.
