Fresh Benue Bloodbath: Three Policemen Slain, IGP Reacts Swiftly

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 Katsina-Ala/Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack, which took place on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Agu Centre, was reportedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen and local militias.

In a statement released on Sunday, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that six suspects had already been arrested in connection with the incident and were assisting investigators.

“The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended six suspects in an ongoing response operation in Benue State, following a violent ambush on Police Tactical Teams at Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala/Ukum LGA, by suspected armed herdsmen and militias. The attack led to the death of three officers, while seven others remain unaccounted for. The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, is personally leading the rescue operation for the missing personnel and the pursuit of fleeing suspects,” the statement read.

IGP Condemns Attack
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, strongly condemned the assault, describing it as “cruel, unjustifiable, and an affront to the people of Benue State.” He ordered the deployment of additional tactical units to the affected areas, assuring that no effort would be spared in restoring peace and security.

According to Hundeyin, the suspects in custody are providing useful intelligence that will aid the manhunt for the attackers.

This latest ambush comes just days after a similar incident in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, near the Kwara border. On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, gunmen attacked a security checkpoint, killing three officers.

Kogi State Police Spokesperson, William Aya, confirmed the casualties, while the Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, announced that a tactical response team had been deployed to track down the perpetrators.

The Force has urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, noting that intensive operations are ongoing to rescue the missing officers and dismantle the criminal networks behind the escalating attacks.