Six suspects have been arrested in connection with the deadly attack on police officers in Katsina-Ala/Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, September 19, 2025, claimed the lives of three police officers, with seven others still missing.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the arrests on Saturday and said that efforts are ongoing to find the missing officers and track down more suspects involved in the ambush.
The attack, which took place at Agu Centre in Katsina-Ala/Ukum axis, was reportedly carried out by a group of suspected armed herders and local militias. The officers were members of a tactical team deployed to the area to tackle insecurity when they came under heavy fire.
Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, is personally leading the investigation and rescue efforts. According to police sources, the six suspects already in custody are helping with the investigation.
Speaking on the incident, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, condemned the ambush, describing it as “cruel, unwarranted, and an affront on the good people of Benue State.”
The IGP ordered the immediate deployment of more tactical units to the affected communities to maintain law and order, recover the missing officers, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Benue State, located in Nigeria’s North-Central region, has been one of the hardest-hit areas by violent clashes between armed herders, local militias, and security forces. The Katsina-Ala/Ukum axis is particularly known for recurring attacks, kidnappings, and communal unrest.
Security experts say the remote and forested terrain of the area makes it easy for armed groups to carry out ambushes and escape undetected. Over the years, many local communities in the region have been displaced due to violence, while security personnel continue to face growing threats.
The latest attack highlights the dangers officers face while working in conflict-prone areas, especially as they attempt to restore peace in regions under constant threat.
Police say the search for the missing officers is ongoing, with joint operations involving tactical teams, intelligence units, and local security support. The authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the officers may have been captured or killed.
“We are doing everything possible to locate our missing men and arrest everyone connected to this criminal act,” said a senior officer involved in the operation.
The IGP also called on local communities to assist the police with useful information that can help track the attackers. He assured the families of the slain and missing officers that the force would not rest until justice is served.
As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the deceased officers had not been officially released, pending notification of their families.
