NSCDC officer shot dead as gunmen abduct popular Plateau businessman

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 - Gunmen have abducted a popular businessman known as Gilbert and murdered an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Distu Garba Audu, in Plateau State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred on Monday night, October 19, 2026 in Pushit community, Mangu Local Government Area of the state. 

According to activist John Walshak, who shared details of the incident, the suspected kidnappers arrived in the community at about 8:00 p.m. and abducted Gilbert, a businessman reportedly involved in supplying fuel to filling stations, cement and fertiliser

Walshak said the gunmen were taking the businessman away when a motorcycle rider reportedly emerged from his house with his headlight on, heading out to buy meat.

The kidnappers allegedly opened fire on the rider, unaliving him at the scene.

The deceased was later identified as Distu Garba Audu, popularly known as Tony, a Deputy Superintendent of the NSCDC. 

He was reportedly a senior officer in the corps and had built his house in the community.

Walshak clarified that, contrary to earlier reports circulating about the incident, the officer was not unalived while guarding the abducted businessman.

He said that Audu was shot after unexpectedly encountering the kidnappers while riding out of his residence.

The gunmen reportedly escaped with Gilbert through a maize farm after the abduction

Walshak questioned the purpose of the curfew if residents could still be abducted and security personnel unalived under the restrictions.

He also called on the government and security agencies to explain the measures being taken to prevent kidnappings, protect residents and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

“The people of Mangu deserve answers, not just restrictions on their movement,” he said, stressing that the effectiveness of a curfew should be assessed by whether it improves the safety of the people it is intended to protect.

He urged the relevant security agencies to investigate the incident urgently, establish the facts surrounding the killing and abduction, pursue the perpetrators and work towards securing the safe rescue of the abducted businessman.

also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the appropriate authorities while avoiding the spread of unverified claims about the incident.

He maintained that the public has a right to question security failures that put innocent lives at risk, adding that the government and security agencies have a responsibility to provide answers and protect the lives of residents.