The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the killing of three officers and the disappearance of seven others after a deadly ambush on its tactical teams in Katsina-Ala/Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

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

In a statement issued on Sunday, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said six suspects had been arrested in connection with the assault and are currently assisting investigators.

“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 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.

IGP Condemns Attack

The 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, assuring that “no stone will be left unturned in restoring peace and security in Benue State.”

Hundeyin added that the suspects in custody were providing useful information as part of the ongoing manhunt.

The Benue ambush came just days after a similar attack in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, near the Kwara boundary.

Naijaonpoint understands that on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, three officers were killed in that incident after gunmen ambushed a security checkpoint.

Kogi State Police Spokesperson, William Aya, confirmed the deaths, while the State Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, disclosed that a tactical response team had been deployed to the area.

The Force urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, noting that efforts were ongoing to rescue the missing officers and dismantle the criminal networks behind the attacks.

“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,” Hundeyin added.