NIGERIA: Police Arrest Six Suspects After Deadly Attack on Tactical Teams in Benue

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested six suspects in an ongoing response operation in Benue State following a deadly ambush on Police Tactical Teams at Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala/Ukum Local Government Area.

The attack, which occurred on Friday, September 19, 2025, was carried out by suspected armed herdsmen and local militias, leading to the death of three officers, while seven others remain missing.

Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the suspects were already in custody.

The statement noted: “The arrested suspects are in custody and assisting with useful information,”

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, is personally leading the ongoing operation aimed at rescuing the missing officers and apprehending the perpetrators.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, described the attack as shocking and unacceptable.

He said: “The attack is cruel, unwarranted, and an affront on the good people of Benue State.”

The IGP further assured Nigerians that decisive action was being taken to restore calm and bring those responsible to justice.

Egbetokun has since directed the deployment of additional tactical assets to the area to support the ongoing operations.

Meanwhile, the Police called for public cooperation, urging citizens to remain law-abiding and vigilant.

“The Nigeria Police Force urges members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies, as the Force continues to intensify efforts towards rescuing missing personnel, apprehending fleeing suspects, and dismantling the criminal networks behind such reprehensible attacks,” the Force stated.