…NPF confirms death of 3 policemen, 7 missing
…IGP deploys additional tactical team
Juliana Francis
At least 11 police officers have gone missing, many feared dead and injured after a joint security patrol comprising elite operatives from the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Operation Zenda, and the Forest Guard came under heavy attack on Friday morning during a mission to a suspected bandit camp in Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The Nigeria Police Force, however, confirmed the death of three police officers, adding that only seven were missing.
Securitynewsalert heard that the operation, which commenced at approximately 08:am, was aimed at disrupting criminal activities in the region.
However, the combined team was ambushed by heavily armed bandits, resulting in significant casualties and equipment losses.
According to police sources, two police Hilux vehicles were set ablaze during the confrontation. A General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) belonging to Operation Zenda was also seized by the assailants.
An unknown number of officers were killed in the attack, and efforts to recover their bodies from the hostile zone are ongoing.
In a display of bravery and tactical discipline, the operatives managed to safeguard their Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), which sustained multiple bullet impacts. The vehicle was successfully evacuated to the nearest military checkpoint.
As of the time of reporting, 11 police officers remain unaccounted for and are presumed dead. Authorities have confirmed that further updates will be communicated as investigations and recovery efforts continue.
The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by armed criminal groups in Benue State and the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace and order in the region.
The Nigeria Police Force spokesman, a Chief Superintendent of Police, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a press statement, disclosed that six suspects have been arrested in the ongoing response to the deadly attack on the tactical teams.
This was even as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered additional deployment of tactical units to ensure the speedy arrest of suspects.
The statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force has arrested six 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 Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, strongly condemns the attack, describing it as cruel, unwarranted, and an affront on the good people of 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.
“Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force urges members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies, as the Force continues to intensify efforts towards rescuing missing personnel, apprehending fleeing suspects, and dismantling the criminal networks behind such reprehensible attacks.”
