Police confirm three officers killed, seven missing in Benue attack
At least three police officers were killed, and seven others have disappeared in a deadly ambush on the Tactical Teams of the Nigeria Police Force in Benue State
A similar attack had occurred on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in Egbe, a town in Yagba West Local Government Area, Kogi State, near the boundary with Kwara State, leaving three officers dead after an ambush at a security checkpoint.
William Aya, Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the loss of three officers of the Command. At the same time, CP Miller Dantawaye, State’s Commissioner of Police, said a tactical response team has been deployed to the area.
In a statement signed by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, on Sunday, the Police said the incident occurred on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala/Ukum Local Government Area, where “suspected armed herdsmen and local militias” launched the attack.
The Police spokesperson said six suspects have been arrested in an ongoing response operation and are “assisting with useful information.”
“The Nigeria Police Force has arrested six (6) suspects in an ongoing response operation in Benue State, following a deadly attack on Police Tactical Teams by suspected armed herdsmen and local militias at Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala/Ukum Local Government Area of the State.
“The attack, which occurred on Friday, September 19, 2025, 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,” the statement read.
According to the statement, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, Benue State Commissioner of Police, is leading the manhunt and rescue mission.
In the meantime, Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, described the assault 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, vowing that “no stone will be left unturned in restoring peace and security in Benue State.”
“The arrested suspects are in custody and assisting with useful information. Equally, the IGP has directed the deployment of additional tactical assets to the area and assured that no stone will be left unturned in restoring peace and security in Benue State,” the statement added.
The Force urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive as efforts continue to rescue missing personnel and dismantle criminal networks behind the attack.
