Police operatives in Benue State have foiled an attempted attack by suspected bandits in Ugba community, killing one of the assailants and arresting another during a gun battle in the early hours of Friday.
According to security sources, the incident happened at about 3:20 a.m. on February 13, 2026. Intelligence reports had alerted security agencies that armed hoodlums were moving toward Ugba with plans to attack the community.
Following the alert, a patrol team was quickly deployed to intercept the attackers before they could carry out their mission. On sighting the police team, the suspects reportedly opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunshots.
During the confrontation, one of the suspects was shot and later confirmed dead. His body was evacuated from the scene and deposited at a mortuary. Another suspect was arrested during the operation, while other members of the gang fled into nearby bushes under the cover of darkness.
Security personnel also recovered a red Bajaj Boxer motorcycle with the inscription “Chen I Tiv,” believed to belong to the gang. The motorcycle is now in police custody as part of ongoing investigations.
Residents of Ugba said they were woken up by the sound of gunfire but expressed relief that the police responded quickly and prevented what could have been a deadly attack.
Benue State has in recent years faced serious security challenges, including attacks by armed bandits, herdsmen-related violence, and communal clashes. Many rural communities have been targeted in night raids, leading to loss of lives and displacement of families.
Ugba, which serves as the headquarters of Logo Local Government Area, has not been spared from security threats. The area, like many parts of the state, has experienced periodic violence linked to armed criminal groups operating in forests and remote areas.
Benue is largely an agrarian state, known as the “Food Basket of the Nation” because of its large production of crops such as yam, rice, and maize. However, frequent attacks have disrupted farming activities, forcing many farmers to abandon their lands out of fear.
Community leaders in Ugba praised the swift action of security agencies. One elder said the intelligence tip-off played a key role in stopping the attack.
“If the police had not come on time, the story would have been different,” he said. “We thank them for acting quickly. Our people were asleep and unaware of the danger.”
Over the years, the state government has repeatedly called on federal security agencies to strengthen their presence in rural communities. Joint security task forces, including police and military personnel, have been deployed in flashpoints across the state.
Despite these efforts, criminal elements continue to exploit forested areas and border communities as hideouts. The recovery of the motorcycle used by the suspects suggests that the attackers may have planned a fast escape after carrying out the operation.
Following the foiled attack, security operatives have intensified surveillance and search operations in surrounding bushes and neighbouring communities to track down the fleeing suspects.
Sources within the security agencies confirmed that patrol teams are combing nearby forests and monitoring entry and exit routes in the area. The arrested suspect is currently in custody and is expected to provide useful information that may lead to further arrests.
The Nigeria Police Force has in recent months increased night patrols in parts of Benue State as part of efforts to curb violent crimes. Police authorities have also urged residents to share timely information about suspicious movements.
A senior security officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said community cooperation is vital.
“We rely on information from the public. When residents report unusual movement early, it helps us act before criminals strike,” the officer said.
Meanwhile, residents of Ugba are calling for sustained security presence in the area. Some fear that the fleeing suspects may attempt to regroup and launch another attack.
Benue State Governor has repeatedly assured citizens of his administration’s commitment to improving security across the state. The government has supported security agencies with logistics and encouraged community policing initiatives.
For now, calm has returned to Ugba, but tension remains high as security forces continue their manhunt. Residents say they are determined not to allow criminal elements to take over their community.
The successful operation in Ugba may serve as a warning to armed groups that security agencies are prepared to respond swiftly to threats. However, many believe that sustained efforts, better equipment, and stronger community partnership will be needed to ensure lasting peace in Benue State.