The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of six suspects in connection with a deadly ambush on a Police Tactical Team by suspected armed herdsmen and local militias in Agu Centre, located within the Katsina-Ala/Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, the attack occurred on Friday, September 19, 2025, and led to the death of three police officers, while seven others remain missing.
Commissioner of Police Leads Rescue Operation
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, is currently leading a coordinated search-and-rescue operation to locate the missing officers and track down additional suspects.
“The arrested suspects are already assisting investigators with useful information,” said ACP Hundeyin.
The operation includes intensified intelligence gathering and tactical sweeps across known hideouts and high-risk zones in the affected local government areas.
IGP Egbetokun Condemns ‘Cruel and Unwarranted’ Attack
Reacting to the tragic incident, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, condemned the ambush in strong terms, calling it:
“A cruel, unwarranted, and deliberate affront on the peace-loving people of Benue State and the law enforcement community.”
The IGP has ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical assets to the region, including reinforcements from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and Anti-Terrorism Units, to dismantle criminal networks operating in and around Katsina-Ala.
Police Urge Public Vigilance and Support
The Nigeria Police Force called on residents of Benue State to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security forces, especially in providing credible information that could assist in the ongoing operations.
“Efforts are being intensified to rescue the missing personnel and restore lasting peace in Katsina-Ala and its environs,” the statement added.
