The Bauchi State Police Command has urged residents who fled Mansur town in Alkaleri Local Government Area to return, assuring them that security has been reinforced and the situation brought under control.

The appeal follows a deadly attack on February 22, 2026, in Gwana District, where bandits reportedly killed two soldiers and a vigilante operative. The assault, which occurred around 4:32 p.m., also targeted a Joint Task Force base, prompting many residents to flee nearby communities.

Eyewitnesses said more than 100 armed men riding motorcycles stormed the area, heightening fears of renewed violence across parts of Alkaleri LGA.

Addressing journalists at the State Police Headquarters in Bauchi, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, said a comprehensive security assessment had been conducted in Gwana, Digare and Kafin Duguri following the incident.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Sani Omolori Aliyu, ordered a large-scale joint deployment of security personnel to affected border communities to curb kidnapping and banditry.

According to Habib, the troubled areas have experienced repeated breaches due to infiltration by armed groups from neighbouring states. He, however, clarified that Mansur town was not directly affected by the recent attack.

“We want to reassure the residents of Mansur town who fled their homes that the situation is under control. There is no cause for alarm, and they can safely return to their communities,” he said.

The police spokesperson added that reinforced joint operations involving the Police, Military, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were already producing positive results, with support from the Bauchi State Government under Governor Bala Mohammed.

Habib urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence, assuring them that informants’ identities would be protected.