Kanam Ambush: The Danger of Embarking on an Unauthorized Mission By Zagazola Makama
Let’s be honest. What happened in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State on July 6, 2025, wasn’t just tragic — it was completely avoidable. But perhaps even more disturbing than the incident itself is the barrage of misinformation and finger-pointing currently flooding social media, as people rush to blame the government and security agencies. Pause for a moment — how does that make sense?
Here are the facts: A large group of vigilantes mobilized on their own accord. They did not inform or coordinate with Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) — the joint security task force legally mandated to oversee operations in the area. They went rogue.
They set off from Kanam, claiming they were heading to Odare Forest to “deal with bandits.” Along the way, they stopped in Kukawa community where, instead of maintaining order, they reportedly attacked civilians, looted provision shops, and seized over 20 motorcycles from residents. This was not a sanctioned security mission — it was a disaster in the making.
Still, they pushed forward into the forest. Then reality hit: they walked straight into an ambush by the same armed bandits they had hoped to surprise. Eight vigilantes were killed, and several others went missing. Yes, it was tragic — but it was entirely self-inflicted.
What followed was an explosion of misleading headlines, with some media outlets irresponsibly claiming that “70 vigilantes were killed” — a grossly exaggerated figure that only served to stoke panic and outrage. What is the aim of throwing such incendiary numbers into an already volatile situation? For clicks? For chaos?
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Even worse, people on social media have started blaming the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Service Chiefs, and OPSH. But let’s ask a simple question: Who approved the vigilantes’ mission? Who did they brief? What credible intelligence were they acting on? Or did they assume bandits would welcome them with jollof rice and cold drinks?
Let’s separate emotion from fact. Operation SAFE HAVEN is not some neighborhood watch group. It is a multi-agency security task force made up of the military, police, DSS, NSCDC, and other security bodies. It works based on intelligence, logistics, and chain of command. You cannot bypass all of that, head into the forest with machetes and bravado, and expect success.
When such missions predictably fail, some are quick to scream “government failure.” No — this wasn’t a failure of government. It was a failure of process. This is what happens when people confuse bravado with bravery.
Every loss of life is painful and should never be taken lightly. But we must also hold to account reckless actions that endanger lives — and call out the misinformation that follows. OPSH confirmed eight deaths, not 70. They only learned of the incident after the ambush occurred, and were called in for a search and rescue operation.
If vigilantes — who are meant to complement formal security structures — choose to operate outside those structures, then they must also take responsibility for the consequences. OPSH wasn’t informed. The military wasn’t notified. The chain of command was ignored. Why? Because regulation would have curbed their actions — actions that, on their way to the forest, included looting and harassment of innocent civilians.
We must come to terms with the truth: securing our communities is not about showy heroics or viral outrage. It requires discipline, coordination, and professionalism.
To the media: do better. Report responsibly. Verify your facts. “70 vigilantes killed” is not a statistic — it’s a matchstick in a room filled with fuel. Even one death is too many, but exaggeration helps no one.
Let’s stop turning self-inflicted wounds into national tragedies blamed on people who had no role in the recklessness. The message going forward must be clear: coordinate with OPSH. Don’t go rogue. And if you choose to act alone, don’t cry foul when the consequences come knocking.
Enough with the dangerous mischief.
