The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the killing of three officers and the disappearance of seven others following a deadly ambush on its Tactical Teams in Benue State.
The attack occurred on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Agu Centre in Katsina-Ala/Ukum Local Government Area, when suspected armed herdsmen and local militias opened fire on security operatives.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Sunday, disclosed that six suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently assisting investigators with useful information.
“The attack resulted in the death of three police officers, while seven others are still missing. The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, is currently leading the operation geared towards rescuing the missing officers and arresting the fleeing suspects,” Hundeyin stated.
He added that tactical teams have been deployed to comb the area, while the Force remains determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, condemned the assault, describing it as “cruel, unwarranted, and an affront on the good people of Benue State.” He ordered the deployment of additional tactical assets to the troubled area and vowed that no stone would be left unturned in restoring peace and security.
The Force urged residents of Benue State to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive as security operations intensify.
Meanwhile, local accounts indicate that the attack involved more than just police personnel. Reports suggest that at least 11 security operatives, including members of the Civil Protection Guards (known locally as Anyam Nyór), were on a clearance operation in the Agu Centre before they were ambushed.
A former Katsina-Ala local government chairman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said three bodies had been recovered as of Sunday morning. “We learnt that on Friday, the security personnel under the Anyam Nyór went on a clearance operation but were ambushed by local militias in conjunction with armed herders. So far, three corpses have been recovered,” he said.
The current LGA chairman, Shaku Justine, also confirmed the attack, noting that two patrol vehicles were burnt during the ambush. “An eyewitness said the attackers were more than 1,000; they came in large numbers. A search team has been deployed to ascertain the full number of casualties,” he explained.
The Sankera axis of Benue, which comprises Katsina-Ala, Logo, and Ukum LGAs, has remained a hotbed of violence despite the 2020 killing of notorious militia leader Terwase Akwaza, alias Gana. His remnants, alongside armed herdsmen, have continued to terrorize the region, fuelling insecurity and instability.
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