Bodies of 8 Missing Security Operatives Recovered in Benue
Eight additional bodies of police officers and other security operatives killed in a deadly ambush in Benue State have been recovered.
The attack occurred on Friday, September 19, 2025, when a joint team of security personnel was ambushed by suspected armed militia and herdsmen at Agu Centre, on the Katsina-Ala/Ukum border. The assault initially left three officers dead, while eight others were declared missing.
The team, comprising operatives of Operation Zenda, the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (BSCPG), and the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), faced heavy gunfire during the operation.
Among those confirmed dead earlier were ASP Dalami Usman, popularly known as Danzuru; Inspector Solomon Ogede; Navas Kukaa, a BSCPG officer; and Mbakiir Torpine of the Nigerian Forestry Services.
On Monday, September 22, the Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Dr. Justine Shaku, confirmed to journalists in Makurdi that the remains of the eight missing officers had been recovered.
This brings the number of officers killed to 11 (10 policemen and one BSCPG),” Shaku said.
He added that the Benue State Police Commissioner, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, was on ground to coordinate operations.
“The atmosphere is still tense and unfriendly, but we are on top of the situation,” he noted.
The spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that the eight bodies have been recovered.
Also, the Commander of the BSCPG, Capt. Ayuma Ajobi (rtd), in a telephone conversation with Daily Trust on Monday evening, said he lost one operative and two motorcycles to the attack.
