At least sixteen security officers are presumed dead, with numerous others unaccounted for, following a violent ambush by suspected armed herdsmen in Agu Centre, a remote community within the Mbatyula/Mberev Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State.
Several surviving personnel sustained injuries during the attack, while the assailants set fire to the vehicles transporting the security team and seized motorcycles.
The casualties include members of Operation Anyam Nyor, a joint security task force established by the state, comprising police officers and operatives from the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG).
According to an insider familiar with the incident, a contingent of over 90 security operatives, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Danlami Usman-known locally as “Dan Zuru”-were advancing into the area to flush out the armed herdsmen when they were ambushed.
The source revealed, “The attackers, numbering nearly a thousand, combined forces with local militia groups. Unbeknownst to the security team, an ambush was strategically set between Tse Agbami and Agu Centre along the Katsina-Ala/Ukum boundary.”
“Upon entering the trap, a fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the deaths of more than sixteen team members. Several others, including ASP Dan Zuru, who had been at the forefront of combating armed herdsmen and bandits in the Sankera region (covering Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala), were captured.”
“Attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful; the person answering the phone speaks an unfamiliar language. His capture is a significant blow, as he was pivotal to security efforts in Sankera.”
Justine Shaku, Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, confirmed the attack via his verified social media account. He noted that the operation faced stiff resistance from local militias, Fulani raiders, and hired mercenaries reportedly brought in from a neighboring state.
He stated, “Reports indicate over ten officers remain missing. Only two bodies have been recovered so far. Two Hilux vehicles were torched, and several motorcycles were taken. Reinforcements have been dispatched to the area.”
Benue State Police Commissioner, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, was on the ground in Katsina-Ala on Saturday, September 20, personally overseeing efforts to recover the missing personnel.
In a subsequent update on Sunday, September 21, the Nigeria Police Force announced that a special tactical unit had apprehended six suspects connected to the deadly ambush.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the attack, which occurred on Friday, September 19, 2025, resulted in the deaths of three police officers, with seven others still missing.
He added, “Commissioner of Police, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, is leading ongoing operations to rescue the missing officers and capture those fleeing. The detained suspects are cooperating with investigators and providing valuable intelligence.”
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, condemned the assault, labeling it “barbaric, unjustifiable, and an insult to the people of Benue State.” He ordered the deployment of additional tactical resources to the region and vowed to exhaust all measures to dismantle the criminal networks responsible.
The Police Force appealed to the public to stay calm, remain alert, and support the security operations, emphasizing that intensified efforts are underway to recover missing personnel and restore stability in Katsina-Ala and surrounding communities.
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